Michael Dunne

1938 - 2017

Mike, as he was known, was born on Sept. 5, 1938, to Edward and Dorothy Dunne in Evergreen Park, Ill. As a child, as grew up in the south side of Chicago on Ada Street. The whole family spent two months every summer in Grand Beach, Mich., with close friends. He attended St. Margaret's grammar school and graduated from Leo Catholic High School in 1956. Soon after graduating from Marquette University in Milwaukee with a bachelor's degree in Economics in 1960, Mike began a career as a naval aviator. He served in that role from 1960-66. During that time he met his future wife, Rosalie, on a blind date while stationed at Barbers Point in Hawaii. During the Vietnam War, Mike flew the F-8 Crusader off the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea. In 1965 while flying reconnaissance missions over North Vietnam, Mike suffered "mechanical failure" - most likely caused by a surface-to-air missile through the engine block, although he would never say that - and ejected over the Gulf of Tonkin. Fortunately, Mike was rescued by his Navy brothers; he would return to his ship and fly again. Mike left the Navy in 1966 and began a 36-year career as a pilot with Continental Airlines. He flew all types of aircraft, including jumbo jets like the Boeing 767 and McDonnell Douglas DC-10. His career with Continental took him to "home bases" in Los Angeles and eventually Denver. On his days off from the airlines, he enjoyed sailing on the sailboat "Rather Than" with friends and family. He spent time as an AYSO soccer coach for all of his children. He rarely ever missed his grandson Logan's hockey practices or games. Mike loved the mountains and was an accomplished skier and spent his warmer days as an avid golfer at the Raccoon Creek Men's Golf Club or any other golf courses around the world. On Oct. 25, the Lord called Mike's final flight number, and he went to be with him. He is survived by his wife, Rosalie, of 50 years; three loving children, Michael (Erika), Cathy and Daniel (Erica); his brother Robert; five grandchildren; Alexa (Matt), Logan, Ryland, Olivia and Isabella and several nieces and nephews. Mike's family will remember him as a reserved man of few words, great distinction, and many accomplishments as well as a quiet hero. He will be dearly missed. A Celebration of his life will be on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 6853 South Prince Street in Littleton, Colo. Military honors and interment will take place at Fort Logan Cemetery at 2:15 p.m