Luke Gary Dunn

2014 - 2015

Luke Gary Dunn obituary, 2014-2015, Glastonbury, CT

Luke Gary Dunn

2014 - 2015

BORN

2014

DIED

2015

Luke Dunn Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 15, 2015.


It is with unimaginable anguish that we announce that our precious 17 month old baby, Luke Gary Dunn ascended into heaven at sunset on August 12, 2015 after a courageous 4 month battle with rhabdoid cancer. Luke was born on February 20, 2014, a long awaited miracle to his parents, MaryJo (Skelly) and Shane Dunn who had waited for him all of their lives. He was quite simply everything to them and his loss is immeasurable. He had a magnificent smile, an infectious laugh and incredible huge blue eyes that belied a wisdom far beyond his 17 months. He had the very best personality, unbelievably charming, funny and he made everyone who ever met him fall head over heels in love. He fought such a brave battle with so much love and support from the legions of followers on his Love 4 Luke Facebook page. We are certain that there has never been a baby that was more wanted or loved. He embodied the very best of Shane and MaryJo - such a joyful spirit with an endless capacity for love. He enjoyed singing and dancing and took great joy in music. He also loved Elmo, Beyoncé, pressing buttons, blowing kisses, showing his stinky pigs, giggling with Daddy but most importantly he loved the true peace and utter devotion he found when nestled in his Mothers arms while sucking his thumb. MaryJo never left his side for one second and her ability to ease his fears by snuggling him close is something that she will treasure for the rest of her life. Shane utterly cherished the time he spent every night giving Luke his bottle and having him fall asleep on his chest. Besides his beloved parents, he leaves his maternal Grandmother MaryAnne Skelly of Wethersfield, his paternal Grandparents Patricia and Peter Ignatowicz of Vernon, his aunts and uncles Jody and Bitsy Skelly, Sharon and Mike Carducci, Stephen and Anita Skelly, Patrick and Charlene Skelly, Denise and Tim Harries, Sue (Luke's Godmother) and Ian Kaswan, Shannon Dunn, Kyle and Jenn Norton and Darren and Alicia Ignatowicz and his cousins, Kara and John Capuano; Kristen and Brenna Skelly; Megan, Michael, Mark (Luke's Godfather), and Kristen Carducci; Shannon and Maggie Skelly; Patrick, Ryan, Reece, and Raegan Skelly; Brian and Kyle Harries; Erin and Sara Kaswan and Alexandra Ignatowicz and his canine brother Cash and his special canine cousin Rufus. He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather Joseph E. Skelly and his paternal grandfather E. Gary Dunn. Luke taught us so many things about life, courage and most importantly love during his brief time on earth and we are sure that more lessons will reveal themselves in his lasting legacy in the months and years to come. To that end, we would like to request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Love 4 Luke YouCaring fund (http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-luke-dunn/333312). We are going to find a way to help other families facing this battle and we would also like to honor Connecticut Children's Medical Center, perhaps with a memorial garden for Luke. The care he received there was nothing short of the care he would have received had Luke been a member of their own families. We will remain so grateful for the love, compassion and dedication of the staff at CCMC for the rest of our lives. Most especially we would like to thank Dr. Nehal Parikh, Dr. Chrissy Rader, Dr. Kerry Moss and all of the amazing nurses on the 8th Floor and PICU, especially his primary nurses Allie, Colleen, Tara, Avery and Amy. Calling hours will be Sunday August 16th from 1 to 5 at Mulryan Funeral Home at 725 Hebron Ave. in Glastonbury and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect St. Wethersfield on Monday, August 17th at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private. A mom who walked this journey shared this quote: "The pain I feel is worse than I imagined my grief feels palpable. But to grieve this hard can only mean in this lifetime that I got to love that big . . . and for that I am grateful." For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.com.

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Sign Luke Dunn's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 28, 2025

Steven Higgins posted to the memorial.

August 18, 2015

Diane Johnson posted to the memorial.

August 18, 2015

Carrie Ricker posted to the memorial.

Steven Higgins

June 28, 2025

Rest easy, you deserved a longer life, may you find peace up in heaven, rest in peace little man.

Diane Johnson

August 18, 2015

Dear Shane, Mary Jo, Pat and Pete and Shannon,

Like so many, I have no words to express my sadness for all of you. I just was told today and I wish I could have been at his service.

Luke - never to be forgotten by Em & Kiley

Carrie Ricker

August 18, 2015

Just heartbreaking. As Gran-Carrie to Kiley Sullivan, the day-to-day struggle with cancer is heartbreaking in itself. However, we always have hope for the future somehow thinking that if we love and care for this child enough, we have some kind of power that will heal these innocents. Luke does have the biggest blue eyes I've ever seen and his personality shines through. I can't help but be angry that God didn't heal your precious gift. Know - and really feel it - that my prayers are with you and the family. Continue to hold him close - this time in prayer. Love and hugs, Gran-Carrie Ricker

Kim Libera

August 17, 2015

My sincere condolences to you Mary Jo & Shane for your loss. This was a tough one.

Trevor Quail

August 17, 2015

I never had the opportunity to meet Luke but I followed his courageous battle. My thoughts and prayers were with you during this difficult time and will continue to be.

Alan Backus

August 17, 2015

Dear Shane & Mary Jo, Words will never take away your pain. But please know that Luke was greeted at the doors of Heaven by some awesome people that went ahead. I have no doubt Gary and Elmer welcomed Luke with open arms, have given him lots of hugs and are looking after him now. And every time you think of Luke, know that he is thinking of you from Heaven. Rest in peace Luke. Say hi to our relatives for us.

Christine Lord

August 17, 2015

Rest easy Baby Luke.....although I never met you....you have been in my thoughts and prayers every day.....and will continue to be..My heart felt condolences to the Dunn family...I have no words to express how sorry I am for your loss.

Kacee Waters

August 17, 2015

I can only imagine all the momas in heaven who have gone before us waiting to take that precious little child into their arms. I am comforted by this. I know he will be taken good care of until you meet him again. I am praying for you and your family for strength to get through this sorrowful time.

Bruce Walker

August 17, 2015

God Blessed you with Luke for 17 months. May those memories sustain you and see you through your awful grief. Bruce Walker

Eileen Whitaker

August 17, 2015

Sweet Baby Luke forever in my Heart and never forgotten. You are truly an Angel and earned your wings. Fly to the angels
Heaven awaits your heart
and flowers bloom in your name. Fly to the angels
all the stars in the night
shine in your name.

Frank and Kathy Dunn

August 17, 2015

Luke's in heaven and you'll see him again some day. Love and peace to your family during this sad time.

Ed an Kelly Martin

August 16, 2015

MaryJo and Shane, We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless

Dawn Ruhland-Polking

August 16, 2015

May God Bless You,

Dawn

cindy paul

August 16, 2015

My deepest condolences to your family. Your beautiful blue eyed Luke touch my heart so much. He is now your angel looking over you. Rest in peace.

Kathleen Sousa

August 16, 2015

For Luke's family and many friends: God gave you a precious gift for a time that was much to short for you. No one knows what the reason for that was, but I know that Luke brought to all what God had intended.
May you know God's peace in your journey forward.

Tracey S

August 16, 2015

Spread your wings and fly sweet baby, Luke. You will continue to spread love in all of our hearts.

August 16, 2015

MaryJo and Shane, Please know that the Longmeadow Sitler's hearts and thoughts are with you. Briana, Chris, Killian and Kayla

Donna and Ron Pike

August 16, 2015

Prayers for peaceful moments. Our heartfelt condolences on this unfathomable loss of your baby boy.

August 16, 2015

Deepest condolences to MaryJo, Shane, and the entire family. May you feel strength and comfort in knowing that Luke is in a better place, away from suffering, and will rest happily in eternal peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.
The Salak Family

August 16, 2015

You are an amazing family blessed with love and devotion. My prayers are for you all. Rest in peace Luke.....you made a difference in this world.

August 16, 2015

A million flowers bloomed, radiant. A brilliant blue sky opened up and touched the ocean. A chorus of magnificent birds sang so loudly, so harmoniously. For there is an Angel on his way..a perfect , just perfect Angel , now forever in his new glorious place. A place where he will be looking and protecting , most of all loving you with all the power you gave him. Luke is not gone... just a little further away is all. May your immense pain , turn to strength.

michael smith

August 16, 2015

Shane ,patsy, and shannon, and all your loved ones. i am truly moved by your loss. i also understand the gratitude, the ability to love and to mourn. i am available at any capacity, i am only several "steps" away. Luke's Grandfather and i were very close at one time. Luke is resting in Gods and Gary's arms, and Love surrounds him.

Theresa

August 16, 2015

sweet baby rest in peace

leslie fultz

August 16, 2015

There is nothing i can do to ease your pain, sending love and peaceful hugs.

Maxine Griffiths

August 15, 2015

Rest in peace Luke.

Carol Sheehan

August 15, 2015

My Deepest Condolences Thank you for sharing your preciuos Angel Luke with us, God Bless you rest peaceful little one

August 15, 2015

rest in sweet peace

August 15, 2015

Although I did not know this beautiful little boy, just reading this made me feel like I did. It touched my heart, and can I just imagine how much he touched yours. Luke is with the Lord now, and may HE grant you the strength to bring you through this season of mourning, and return joy to your lives until you are all together again.

Michael And Joanne Martin

August 15, 2015

Sending our deepest condolences. You have an amazing angel watching over you. Mary Jo, thinking of you and your family. God Bless.

August 15, 2015

MZ & Shane (and our dear Suzie)-
Words cannot express our heartfelt sympathy for you. We have been praying like crazy for you for many months and will continue to do so. The love your family has demonstrated during this horrendous time is contagious, and for that we are thankful.
With much love,
Amy & Patrick McGloin

mary attardo

August 15, 2015

I am so sorry for the loss of your precious little boy. Luke is a Guardian Angel watching over all of you.

Laurie Walsh

August 15, 2015

Luke you and your family will be forever in our hearts and prayers..Fly High Angel..

Carl Giordano III

August 15, 2015

I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful son... There are no words I can say except that your son is now with God and my prayers are with you and all your family.

Janet Taylor

August 15, 2015

I'm so sorry for your loss. Baby Luke will no longer suffer but know he is now an Angel watching down upon you. Prayers & thoughts to your family.

Fr. Stan Szczapa

August 15, 2015

My heartfelt condolences and love. Your little boy is now an angel In heaven. He'll be looking after you as you looked after him. I send you my tearful prayers and a big hug. Love you!

Tom & Debbie Sweeney

August 15, 2015

Luke was able to light up a room whenever he came in, he truly was a special gift. No matter who he met they felt better seeing that face and hearing his amazing laugh. Thank you for touching our lives

Robin Lund

August 15, 2015

God bless you all through this difficult time.

Amy Paluska

August 15, 2015

Heaven is welcoming a beautiful angel. I'm so very sorry for your loss. He will ALWAYS be remembered!!!

Roy & Anne Caron

August 15, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult time. Thank you for sharing your beautiful baby with us. May God bless you and surround you with His love.

Annika Petrov

August 15, 2015

Luke's smile lights up everyone's day so make sure you never forget that.

August 15, 2015

I am so stunned and heart broken to learn of this beautiful angel now in heaven. I am so sorry for your unbearable pain. Shane, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry.
Nichole Thrall Cipriano

Catherine Cavanna

August 15, 2015

Heaven is shining a little brighter because of your miracle baby,Luke. So very sorry for your immeasurable loss and pain.

Mary Ann Remillard

August 15, 2015

I am so sorry for this terrible loss. May you be blessed with comfort in knowing that Luke is in the arms of Our Lord and surrounded by angels who will care for him until you see him again. God Bless you...

Kelli & Dean Harvin

August 15, 2015

He will remain forever in our hearts! Always remembered, never forgotten, loved through eternity.

Carlos Vega

August 15, 2015

Our prayers go out to you and your love ones in this time of sorrow.
Carlos Vega

Doug & Christina Hommel-Duffy

August 15, 2015

There are no words...just Giant Prayers and Lots of Love

August 15, 2015

So sorry for you loss....my prayers are with you and your family.....Heaven has a beautiful little Angel looking down on you......so very sorry...........Nina Leuzzi, Newington

Chris Rose

August 15, 2015

Dear Dunn family,
My heart absolutely breaks and aches with and for you. I lost my first-born son when I was 7 months pregnant. He fought the fight for 5 days. I was never able to see him as I almost died during delivery and was hospitalized for sometime. Keith was sent to UCONN Neonatal ICU and I was at NBGH. As devastating as that was to me, I can only imagine your pain. Many people told me, "time will heal" and I didn't believe them. I couldn't even think of the future but I did come to realize they were right. Sympathy cards from mothers who had lost a child gave me much hope as they had survived such a tragedy. Time does heal and life will go on and I promise you, you will laugh again despite the buckets of tears that you will shed. I, like you, have an angel in Heaven. Gods love for Luke was so great that he couldn't stand to see him suffer anymore. The lessons of life that you have/will learn thru this journey will take you far. Luke will make his presence known to you if you heart is open to such angel visits - he may come to you in a song, a bird, a dragonfly, ladybug, feather you find on the ground or a loud noise - somehow you'll get his "Mommy and Daddy, I'm here and all is well". These visits will bring you peace until you see each other again.
On September 11th, a movie is due to come out "90 Minutes In Heaven". I've read the book and it's amazing and so comforting.
I hope you're able to see it.
In the meantime, I will be praying for you all. God Bless Luke Gary Dunn.

Sincerely,

Chris

Juanita & Jim Duttton

August 15, 2015

MaryJo and Shane no words can ever express the sadness we have. I remember meeting Luke for the first time he had on those cute little overalls, his big blue eyes an infectious smile lit up the room. The beautiful memories you have will always bring tears to your eyes but remember Luke is with you in spirit. We love you. . Jim & Juanita

Ben, Jean, Benjamin, Joseph, Matthew Borsellino

August 15, 2015

Dear MaryJo and Shane, I never met Sweet Baby Luke, but with one look at his photo with his beautiful smile and blue eyes it was all I needed to fall in Love many times over. Just the words that our son Benjamin said to us I knew he was a very special Boy who was loved to the moon and back. We are so sorry for Luke's passing. The Borsellino's. God Bless you and your families.

Maura Healy and Family

August 15, 2015

Beautiful tribute! It is truly amazing that this little boy has touched so many of us and will continue to do so. I must thank you for keeping us updated via FB page and letting us get to know Luke. He will never be forgotten and MJ, Shane and his extended family are in my prayers. Love to all.

Kari Ann Guerette

August 15, 2015

I've been listening to the online lullabies from around the country over and over these past few months and sharing Luke's happy giggles and beautiful smiles with so many friends up in our part of the state of CT. We've all been praying for his comfort and for you and your family's peace. I am so very sorry for your loss and we pray now for him to rest in peace and for you to be comforted in some small way knowing how many lives Luke has touched. Sincerely, Kari Ann Guerette

August 15, 2015

His Angelic face.
RIP LUKE. XOXO

Darwin Robinson

August 15, 2015

What blessed little man--you're not in pain anymore--Go play and forever be happy. Mom and dad will see you once again''God needed you and chose you for his kingdom"

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725 Hebron Avenue, Glastonbury, CT 06033

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Sign Luke Dunn's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 28, 2025

Steven Higgins posted to the memorial.

August 18, 2015

Diane Johnson posted to the memorial.

August 18, 2015

Carrie Ricker posted to the memorial.