Philip R. Dunn

DUNN, Philip R. Hon. Philip R. Dunn of West Hartford, beloved husband of Elizabeth S. Dunn, passed away peacefully, Monday, (January 5, 2009) after a long illness with his family by his side. He will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity and for always having a smile, a joke and a kind word for his family and friends. He was born in Holyoke, MA on July 3, 1930, to Stephen P. and Mary (O'Leary) Dunn. He was a 1953 graduate of Holy Cross College and a 1956 graduate of Georgetown Law School. He practiced law at Jackson, O'Keefe and Dunn before his appointment to the Superior Court in 1989, by Governor William A. O'Neill. He was especially fond of his work as a Judge and appreciated the friendship of the many Judges, State's Attorneys, Public Defenders and court staff with whom he was privileged to serve during his years on the bench. He was a longtime resident of West Hartford where he was a communicant of The Church of St. Helena. He served on the West Hartford Town Council. He also served as the West Hartford Corporation Council and was a longtime member of the West Hartford Democratic Town Committee. He served on the Capitol Center Commission, Law Revision Commission and the Probate Reform Committee. He also served as Counsel to the Grievance Committee for many years. He was past president of the Kiwanis Club and Toastmasters. In addition to his wife of 46 years, he is survived by five children, Philip R. Dunn, Jr. and his wife Kimberly of Farmington, Elizabeth A. Conyngham and her husband Kevin of Ridgewood, NJ, Christopher J. Dunn and his wife Carolann of Rockville Centre, NY, Peter C. Dunn and his wife Lilybeth of Lagrangeville, NY, and Marie L. Durnan and her husband Christopher of Long Beach, NY. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, Brian, Grace and Kerry Dunn, Isabel Conyngham, Gregory, Christopher and Julia Dunn, Olivia Dunn, and Lucy and Christopher Durnan. He also leaves many cherished nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Edmund Dunn, Stephen (Paul) Dunn and William Dunn. His family would like to thank the staff at Saint Mary Home in West Hartford for the excellent and compassionate care he received during the final months of his life. He was thankful that he was able to spend his last summer at his cottage in Old Lyme where he was always at peace on his porch and in the company of his children and grandchildren who brought him such pride and joy. Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford has charge of the funeral arrangements. Calling hours will be Thursday, January 8, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be celebrated at The Church of Saint Helena, 30 Echo Lane, West Hartford on Friday, January 9, at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery.