Gerald Mark Dunn

Gerald Mark Dunn was born in Stoughton, Mass., the son of Winifred and Edward Dunn. He was the youngest and only living member in a family of six sons and two daughters. His beloved wife, Patricia Donahue Dunn, died in 1978. He is survived by his daughter, Margaret Dunn Fusaro and her husband, Ronald Fusaro, of Westerly; his son, Gerry Dunn and his wife, Ellie Dunn, of Pawcatuck; and his daughter, Kathryn Dunn, of Silver Spring, Md. Mr. Dunn was blessed with six grandchildren: Patsy Dunn; Katie, Kevin and Erin Fusaro; and Sean and Brian Fitzgibbons.
Mr. Dunn attended Stoughton High School, where he was an outstanding football and baseball athlete. He served as class president during his junior and senior years. Shortly before graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on a troop carrier in World War II. He completed his high school education on an athletic scholarship to Marianapolis Preparatory School in Thompson, Conn. Upon graduation, he was awarded a full athletic scholarship to the University of Nebraska. He later earned a master's degree in education at Boston University.
At the University of Nebraska, Mr. Dunn was named an All-American baseball player. His name is listed in the university's online roster of All-time Letter Winners. He was offered a contract to join the farm teams for the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees before his graduation. Instead, he elected to begin his family life by marrying his high school sweetheart Patricia and becoming a high school history teacher. Mr. Dunn was an award-winning American history teacher and spent most of his classroom career at Sharon High School in Sharon, Mass. He received the Freedoms Foundation medal for civics education.
In 1963, Mr. Dunn re-located his family to Westerly. He served as assistant principal and then principal of Westerly Senior High School from 1963 to 1981. He was a past president of the R.I. Association of Secondary School Principals and was also a past officer of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. He served many terms as a director for the Rhode Island Scholastic League for baseball, tennis and hockey, working with his longtime friend, the Rev. Robert Newbold. During his tenure as principal, Mr. Dunn mentored several high school athletes. He attended hundreds of athletic, music, and academic events in support of his students. He loved his job and the young people of Westerly - many of whom he took pride in as their paths crossed in adulthood. Hearing former students say "Hello, Mr. Dunn! Remember me?" always gave him pleasure. And, he always did remember them.
In retirement, Mr. Dunn worked for the R.I. School for The Deaf and enjoyed the company of his family and long-time friend Nancy Mead. He remained a loyal Red Sox fan, actually living long enough to see them win the World Series. He spent his final years living at Watch Hill Manor (now Apple Care and Rehab) being cared for by a wonderful staff.
He was a communicant and lector at St. Clare's parish, Misquamicut, and a member of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Clare Church, Crandall Avenue, Westerly. Burial with full military honors will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Gerald M. Dunn Memorial Fund - Westerly High School Student Activity Account, 15 Highland Ave., Westerly, RI 02891 Attn: D. Bridgman, deputy finance director. For online condolences, please go to www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com.