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John L. Dunn, Jr.
1942 - 2020
John L. Dunn, Jr.
1942 - 2020
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1942
DIED
2020
John Dunn, Jr. Obituary
John L. Dunn, Jr., 78, passed peacefully at home with his family by his side on October 18, 2020. Born on February 10th, 1942 in Attleboro, MA, he was the son of John L. Dunn, Sr. and Leah (Brown) Dunn, and the brother of William Dunn of Zephyrhills, FL and Thomas Dunn of North Attleboro, MA.
He grew up in North Attleboro, MA and graduated from Plymouth State College with a Master’s Degree in Education. It was here that he met his beloved wife of over 58 years, Marian L. (Robertson) Dunn of Danville, VT.
John and Marian moved to Enfield, NH to start his first teaching job at Enfield Elementary School. He took his next teaching job at Seminary Hill School in Lebanon and eventually taught for 34 years. John’s life was one of service to his community in many roles besides teaching; he was also a library trustee for the Enfield Public Library for over 25 years, a part-time police officer for Enfield, Lebanon and Hanover for over 25 years, and a founding member and President of the Enfield FAST Squad as an EMT.
John enjoyed spending time with family, fly fishing, gardening, socializing, and helping his neighbors and many friends. He was known and loved for his sense of humor and loyalty.
John is survived by his dear wife, Marian Dunn, and his sons Michael W. Dunn and his wife Christina of Rochester, NH, and Andrew J. Dunn and his partner Gabriella Sanguedolce of Port Richey, FL. He also has a granddaughter Jennifer Dunn of Rochester, NH and unofficial adopted daughter Wendy McCarthy and her sons Lee, Nathaniel, and Jacob.
John’s family would like to thank the Lake Sunapee Region Hospice team, the Lebanon Fire and Ambulance, and the many doctors and staff at DHMC for their professional and compassionate care. We’d also like to thank everyone who shared their life’s journey with “Big John”, and those who were such an important part of his.
In lieu of flowers, John’s family suggests that memorial donations in his name be made to the Enfield FAST Squad at P.O. Box 345, Enfield, NH 03748, the Lebanon Fire Department at 12 S. Park Street, Lebanon, NH 03766 or the organization of your choice.
To leave a message of condolence, please visit the online guestbook at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.
Christopher Mayer
November 1, 2020
I was deeply saddened to learn of John's passing. He was a loyal staff member and friend, and his wry sense of humor was often a timely salve. Rest in Peace, Mr. Dunn.
Marsha Barden
November 1, 2020
Marian, it is so heartwarming to read all the wonderful things John's students say about him. He truly did care about them and wanted only the best for them - in and out - of school. He was not only a teacher who loved his students but a strong, sincere friend always nearby to support, comfort, encourage, & applaud you. I am so thankful to be have been part of the Sem Hill "family", a co-worker, and friend of his for these many years. His positivity has touched so many of us in so many ways; he will be dearly missed.
Lynn Gallop
October 30, 2020
My sincerest condolences to the Dunn family. Especially Mike, I am so sorry to learn that you have lost your father. I do hope that you find solace in the memories you have with your dad.
Jean Young
October 29, 2020
Sorry for your loss remember him well
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JASON PLACE
October 28, 2020
Mr. Dunn, (I never called him John because of the immense respect I had for him), was my teacher at Seminary Hill School, and my friend for 40 years after that.
I last saw him and Marian at Canaan Hardware weeks ago and we chatted about old times and new.
The thing that made him different from many other teachers, was you knew he truly loved you. He wasn’t performing a “job”, he was doing what he was made to do. He loved “his kids”, and as you’ve seen, we loved him.
May you get the rest you so greatly earned, dear friend.
Sarah Simpson
October 26, 2020
I was a student of Mr. Dunn at SHES in the early 90’s and will fondly remember that he always wore his red socks on payday. He was a most wonderful teacher, the kind that made all students feel important and heard. I’m saddened to hear of his passing but thankful that I had the pleasure of knowing him. Thank you for for sharing him with us all ❤
DENISE SHIBLES
October 26, 2020
Marion and family, I am so sorry hearing of the loss of John. Many have posted wonderful comments on the LHS Alumni Assoc Facebook page. I'd be happy to print them out for you if you'd like them. Just send me an email to [email protected]. Thinking of you! Denise
Fran Vanier
October 26, 2020
Marian and family, I am so sorry to read of John's passing. I came to know him while working at Seminary Hill School and found him to be an honest man with a great sense of humor. He certainly lived the courage of his convictions by helping so many people through his medical service, policing, and teaching. He was a good man. My deepest sympathy to you and/or family. Fran Vanier
Brett Robichaud
October 25, 2020
Mr Dunn, my fifth grade teacher and for sure one of my favorites. He was stern yet at the same time welcoming and kind. He had a unique, entertaining and fun perspective on teaching. One that helped form my lifelong interest in science. And then slightly later in life I got to know his sons, two people whose upbringing clearly benefitted from his presence. I was sorry to hear of his passing, there is no doubt he'll be missed. I wish his family all the best.
Kimberly Meyer
October 25, 2020
Mr. Dunn was my fifth-grade teacher in the early 1990s at Seminary Hill School. I was saddened to learn of his passing. He was an incredible teacher who had the reputation of being structured and predictable. As a 10-year-old this was a bit intimidating-- but what a gift these traits were. Students always knew the expectation and where the "line" was. Nearly 30 years after being Mr. Dunn's student, I find that I strive to be clear and predictable with structure and routines in my own classroom, just as he was. I joke with my students when they're pushing the limit borrowing "Mr. Dunn-isms" (I'm going to hang you upside down by your toenails!). Things I will always remember about Mr. Dunn: his sense of humor (Discussing family heritage-- Me: I'm Finnish! Him: I'm Dunn), his love and talent for science (our 5th-grade first aid unit propelled me to becoming a camp counselor, lifeguard, and swim instructor in high school through my mid-20s), his beautiful penmanship and dedication to teaching and requiring cursive writing, and his fountain pens... which we could borrow for our final drafts. :) I would not be the educator I am today without having had the learning experience Mr. Dunn's classroom provided. I am forever grateful for the lessons learned, skills developed, talents/ interests discovered in his classroom.
Rosanna Kerin
October 25, 2020
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. My thoughts are with you during this painful time. May your fond memories serve you well. He will be greatly missed by many.
Frederick Brown
October 25, 2020
So sorry for your loss of John will always have fond memories of my cousin with our sincere condolences . Rick & Ann Brown
Judy Place
October 25, 2020
R.I.P. cousin John!Aunt Connie and I will miss our occasional visits to N.H. to visit you and Marion.Your welcome,hospitality will never be forgotten!I have to say this one more time:thank you for putting me on top of Betsy when I was a small girl.that memory lasts and how gentle you were with your pesty little cousin JudyLove you
Heather Thibodeau
October 24, 2020
He was the best teacher that i had and was fun to have him as my teacher he will be missed by many rest in peace Mr Dunn
Matt LaBounty
October 24, 2020
Mr. Dunn will be missed by everyone that knew him. I didn’t have Mr. Dunn as a teacher but he was loved by all the kids in school. My favorite memory of Mr. Dunn was he would get fishing movies and play them in the back room of Whitney Hall. Kids and adults from Enfield would get together and watch the movies. When the movies were over the older fishermen would share their fishing stories with us younger fishermen. It was great! John was also my dad, Chief LaBounty’s favorite and most trusted police special. He was level headed and could be counted on always. My thought and prayers go out to Marion and all the family.
Bruce & Deborah Maville
October 24, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Al Joy
October 24, 2020
Marion: Words cannot express how we feel about your loss. Bertha remembers John bringing Cathy Walsh to school at Mount Lebanon when she was working there. We are thinking of you and the family. Bertha & Al Joy
Ray Lagasse
October 24, 2020
Marian and family. I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was not only a beloved teacher but a really good person. His dedication to his family, teaching and the community were well known. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find peace in the knowledge of a life well-lived. He will be missed by many.
Nicole Lovejoy
October 24, 2020
The world will not be the same without you John. You taught me how to take care of the old homestead and filled me with stories of how the world works, which I in turn shared with others. My thoughts, prayers, and love are with you Marion and family.
Linda Webberson
October 23, 2020
I am honored to have the pleasure of knowing you! I enjoyed seeing you at the post office always getting a hug a great conversation & that smile that lit up your face & mine. You were truly a wonderful man who will be missed by all that knew you! RIP my friend
Clayton Wood
October 23, 2020
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Dunn family. I had the pleasure of working with John in a law enforcement capacity . John always had a smile and a way to make you laugh. He was a good man. God Bless ,and Rest In Peace John.
Pamela Peterson
October 23, 2020
Mr. Dunn - always Mr. Dunn, never John - was my sixth grade teacher in Enfield. He inspired me to follow his footsteps and become a teacher myself. I always say that I learned all I know about geography from him. When I arrived in Lebanon to teach on Team Three at the junior high, he was at Sem Hill. He was still Mr. Dunn, never John, even when a colleague. After he retired, I often saw him at the post office in town, and he always seemed so happy to see me. He would always inform me with great pride about his sons, both of whom I had taught at Mascoma. My husband would tell me that my face lit up whenever I saw my Mr. Dunn. He is with the angels now,but, for me, he was already an angel on earth. I was painfully shy in sixth grade, and he instilled in me academic and personal confidence. He helped me find my way in the world. Thank you, Mr. Dunn. We will meet again.
My condolences to his wonderful family...you are in my prayers...
Patty Hamel-Demers
October 23, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. John was a genuinely nice man always giving back to the community. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Melanie (Mans ) Kangas
October 23, 2020
My prayers are for Mr Dunn and his family. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Michelle Chamley
October 23, 2020
I'm so sorry to know that Mr. Dunn has passed. He was also my fifth grade teacher, as he was for so many! I will never forget the crayfish project we worked on in his class and how he really sparked my interest in science. He was a big man, but was so kind and funny he just put you at ease. Anytime I reminisce about elementary school, Mr. Dunn's class comes up and brings a smile to those of us who knew him as students. My thoughts are with your family at this time.
Tami Duff
October 23, 2020
Rest in peace teach. You taught us right and I thank u for that. God knew ur journey was ready for the next lesson. May u continue ur teaching in heaven...
Terri Eastman
October 23, 2020
Marian, Michael and Andy,
So very sorry to know that John has passed. I will always remember him being one of the biggest kids on the block along side my dad. So many fond memories of baseball games and kick the can long into the night; Well after the porch light or street lights came on. He was a teacher through and through....I do still remember impromptu science lessons on feeding worm, storms, various species of fish and birds. I do owe my understanding of the periodic table and good grades in HS chemistry to him. He was a good man. I hope that your memories of him will provide you peace during this difficult time.
Cindy Lahaye
October 23, 2020
Marian.. I am so sorry to hear that Mr Dunn passed away.. my heart breaks for you and your family.. my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.. cindy lahaye
Kathy Henderson
October 23, 2020
Mr. Dunn was my 5th grade teacher. He taught me so much. It is rare these days to have someone touch your life that you remember in such a profound way all these years later, but he was one of those people for me. He took the time with his students, each and every one of us. He treated us with respect and in turn we respected and admired him. He will be missed. My thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.
Jim Damren
October 23, 2020
I am very sorry to learn of John's passing. I enjoyed getting to know him as a student, and later in life, as an adult. Thoughts to the Family. He will be missed!
Andrea Lessard
October 23, 2020
Mr. Dunn always had a way to make his students feel special. I was lucky to have him as my 5th grade homeroom teacher. He was kind, funny, goofy, serious, and one-of-a-kind. I will always remember him as one of my favorite teachers. All my love to the family.
Maxine Wallace
October 23, 2020
Sorry for your loss Marian and boys. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers
Maxine Wallace
Martha Langill
October 23, 2020
With deepest sympathy, Marian.
BRUCE STEVENS
October 23, 2020
Sorry to hear of John's passingl, our paths crossed many times over the years . If it wasn't in a school setting it was in the community or in the local hardware store. Always a friendly greeting and conversation. A good man ,will be missed by many.
'
peggy mckinney
October 23, 2020
I was so sorry to hear this and my thoughts and prayers go out to Marion and their family. I have no other words that can express how sorry i was to hear this .R.I.P.John.
Dwight Z. Marchetti
October 23, 2020
My deepest sympathy to Marion and your family, John was a long time friend and fellow law enforcement co-worker . He was a wonderful family man . Sorry for you loss. Find some comfort in the fond memories you shared.
Rebecca (Becky) Faulkner (Blain)
October 23, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
October 23, 2020
Dear Marian ~ So very sorry for your loss. Love & prayers to you and your family.
Sharon (Nugent's) Davis.
Jill Canillas Daley
October 22, 2020
My sincerest condolences on the passing of a life-long teacher and family friend. Mr. Dunn was such a wonderful man. I will always remember his trips to Emerson Gardens to meander through the greenhouses enjoying the plants and knowing their scientific names. He and dad always had time for a good chat. Later in life, when I would run into him, he always had time to talk and inquire about our lives. He was such a positive influence for me and supported my teaching career! I will miss his infectious laugh. He has left a large hole in the community, but his spirit will continue to live on in the lives of all the students he taught. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Mary Cantlin
October 22, 2020
I am very sorry for the loss of John. He was a great teacher and public servant. It was a privilege to work with John as I began to pursue a teaching career. He was always available to share his knowledge. I visited him many times in my first year of teaching. I will miss seeing him.
Jerry Durant
October 22, 2020
Mr. Dunn was my inspiration, my guide and my heartfelt friend. As my 6th Grade teacher he was the pivot point in my educational journey where scripted teaching became blue sky open inquisitiveness. All through our time he was never far from my thoughts. While we know that life passings are natural we are also left with a void that we now must fill, and in the case of Mr. Dunn those shoes are very big to do so. My heartfelt condolences to his love wife Marian (my mothers name too) who was a dedicated partner. I still remember having coffee on your porch before I left to start a new life in the Philippines. To his children who I never met but only through the proud words of your dad it give me a sense of knowing. May all of you know that Mr. Dunn (the father, educator and community contributor) has left a very big positive mark on so many, our sadness gives way to being proud of him. God Bless you all. (my present country is the Philippines but it wasn't listed in the State/Provinces so I chose the closest... Micronesia)
Jean & Steve Patten
October 22, 2020
Marian and family, Our deepest condolences to all of you. John was my 6th grade teacher and I will never forget the handwriting lessons we had. John always had high expectations for his students and gave great encouragement. He was a true educator. I always enjoyed our short visits in passing when you lived in Enfield. May the memories you hold provide peace during this sad time.
Kristin Charette
October 22, 2020
Mr. Dunn was my 5th grade science teacher back in '85. I still remember my time in his class, and his stern, yet very kind manner. Thoughts and prayers.
Vicky Sousa
October 22, 2020
So very sorry for all the families loss. Sympathy to all.
Mary Jane Quimby Dobbs
October 22, 2020
An amazing teacher and one of my life's most unforgettable ... RIP Mr. Dunn ...
Dianne & David Nelson
October 22, 2020
Marion and family — We are very sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a wonderful man and always so very friendly. Keep those memories close.
October 22, 2020
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to his wife and families..I remember John from our Two soms while they were in school. A wonderful teacher and person. May you RIp
Dolores Crate Struckhoff
October 22, 2020
John was a true educator and I wasn't fortunate to have him as my 6th grade teacher, but I still learned from him. He had a joyous personality and smile that all students at Enfield Village School enjoyed and appreciated. I am so very sorry for his passing. My sincere condolences to his family.
Frank Sanders Jr
October 22, 2020
Am VERY sorry to hear this!!Only knew john to speak to,and he was at the scene of an accident in Mascoma when another vehicle hit us.But he was always pleasant,and friendly.I am sure he will be missed by many.Consolations to the family.
Genevieve Lemire
October 22, 2020
I am sorry for your loss. I had John as a teacher in Enfield. His cheerful and warm personality made him a much beloved teacher.
Karen Boucher
October 22, 2020
He was a wonderful teacher for our son. He will be missed.
Marcia Ingalls
October 22, 2020
So sorry to hear of the passing of just a great person. John was my Son's grade school teacher at Seminary Hill. A great teacher, roll-model, and a great person. He gained the respect of all her knew, which is why I still refer to him as "Mr. Dunn". RIP.
Cynthia Bissonnette
October 22, 2020
Marian and family my sincere sympathies and prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
Love and prayers to all.
Cindy Bissonnette
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56 School Street P.O. Box 549, Lebanon, NH 03766
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