David L. Dunne

David L. Dunne Sr. age 74 of Crete, Illinois passed away on October 30, 2018. Preceded in death by his parents Albert and Dorothy Dunne, his 1st wife Susan and 2nd wife Charmaine. Beloved husband to Rita (nee Conti). Loving father to Jennifer Lynn Dunne, Jeffery (Shyreen) Dunne, David (Georgia) Dunne, Christine (Louis) Longo, Cassandra Wessling, Ronald Ramirez and Amanda Perez. Cherished grandfather to Jacob, Jessica, Elizabeth, Avery, Kaya and Daven. Dear brother to Michael (Marilyn) Dunne, the late Raymond Allen Dunne and the late Judith Gorman. So, here we are, the end of the road. For the most part all was well. Accomplishments were many after sincere efforts to do the right thing. Award winning Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Explorer, earning enough merit badges to fill two sashes, being an Eagle Scout, and presented with the Order of the Arrow sash. Played football during his freshman year at Calumet HS, but found his true niche in industrial arts eventually following in the footsteps of Moe and Shortlegs (AKA: Al Dunne, his Dad, and Uncle, Johnny Dunne). Learning the Pipefitter trade from two of the best, his skill was interrupted by military service in Germany in the Army during the mid-sixties. Upon return, he continued service to discharged G.I.'s by joining the Calumet Park post of the American Legion, eventually becoming post Commander. Resuming a career as a Fitter, he rose to become a craftsman and mentor to many including encouraging two nephews to join the trade. Dave and I grew up in the same house, him being 4 years senior. However, we lived significantly different lives. As evidenced by his accomplishments detailed above, he was outgoing and focused. Me, not so much, mostly due to an early tragedy that befell our Mom and Dad. During WW II, Dad was a fitter at the Elwood Munitions Ordinance Plant. In 1942, they lost their first born four year old son, Raymond Allen, after an accidental drowning incident in the a creek in Wilmington, Illinois. They never recovered emotionally from the loss. As a result our upbringing was somewhat controlled. In his early years, he was known by a couple of nicknames, "Choppy", and "Stormy". The first because he was a healthy boy, and the second because he was prone to fits of resistance. However, he met his match when confronting our sister, Judy, also known as "Red". Never one to back down, Judy sent Dave into the bathroom often to doctor scratches from well manicured nails. Judy passed away in 2003, leaving the family mantle to Dave. In recent years he hosted huge family gatherings after which were followed by blazing bon fires. Such events are nearly things of the past due to our mobile society. To Dave, it was his eternal search of the good times past. Dave's service to his country and family are to be rewarded with military honors at Lincoln Cemetery. As we celebrate his life, we recognize that, quoting Shakespeare, "…we will not see his likes again!" Dave was a volunteer for the Cancer Research Center in Homewood, member of the American Legion Post #1291 in Crete, board member for Thomas Cellini Huntington Foundation and the Pipefitter Local # 597. Visitation Thursday, November 1 from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Crete Funeral Home, 1182 Main Street, Crete, Illinois . Funeral on Friday, everyone to meet at the church, St John the Evangelist Church, 9300 Wicker (corner 93rd and 41), St. John, Indiana for a 10AM mass. Interment: Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Illinois. Info: (708) 672-7600. Cretefuneralhome.com