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Rory Dunne Obituary
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Rory grew up the fourth of six children, he could often be found playing football or a pick-up game of ice hockey with his brothers and friends. Rory graduated from York High School in 1977 and earned a degree in management from the University of Illinois – Chicago. As a teenager, Rory got a part time job at the local shoe repair shop that was on the way to school and he eventually became the owner of the Shoemaker Shop of Elmhurst in 1987. Rory was a pillar in the south Elmhurst community for decades. For him, running his business was not about the shoes, it was about helping people and being a friend to anyone that stopped by the shop.
Rory was a devout parishioner at Visitation Catholic Church and a faithful weekly adorer of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament at the perpetual adoration chapel. Rory had a deep personal relationship with Jesus and loved Him with all his being. He loved to meditate with the daily Mass readings, prayed ceaselessly and always had a huge joyful smile and a word of encouragement for others.
Rory also found great joy and solace in nature on family camping trips, runs at local forest preserves, and tending to the home garden. A lifelong learner, Rory enjoyed numerous hobbies, including star gazing, playing guitar, and practicing the art of conversation. Rory's outgoing nature and genuine spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him and he will be greatly missed.
Rory was the devoted husband of Sue, nee Slowik, for over 40 years; loving father of Shannon (Megan), Erin (Ben) Minteer and Melaney Dunne; proud grandfather of Carter, Coulson Dunne and John, Gianna and Max Minteer; dear brother of Denise (Jim) Nicolosi, Mark (Marcia), Gregory (Kae), John (Julie) and Jean (Thomas) Stachura; cherished son of Ann, nee Flaherty and the late Jeremiah Dunne; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation Thursday, June 26, 2025, 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road, (½ mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst. Friends and family will meet Friday, June 27, 2025, 10:00 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial at Visitation Catholic Church, 779 South York Road (at Madison), Elmhurst. Interment Private.
In connection with his faith, Rory was deeply passionate about helping others both locally and around the world. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rory's memory to Unbound charity, 1 Elmwood Ave. Kansas City, KS 66103. For funeral information please call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com
VISITATION
Thursday
Jun
26
3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Gibbons Funeral Home
134 South York Road
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Click here to get directions
FUNERAL SERVICE
Friday
Jun
27
10:00 a.m. at
Visitation Catholic Church
779 South York Road
Elmhurst, IL
Click here to get directions
INTERMENT
Private
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rory's memory to
Unbound charity, 1 Elmwood Ave. Kansas City, KS 66103 https://www.unbound.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ken DiFrancesca
June 29, 2025
I was very sad to learn about Rory´s passing today. As a fellow Elmhurst "neighbor" I enjoyed visiting and talking with Rory at his shoe store over the years.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Dunne family.
Ken DiFrancesca
Jo Dahlberg
June 26, 2025
My deepest condolences on your loss. He had a big heart that was shared with everyone and a smile that lit up every room. He will be missed by family and friends. Peace
Tricia Giovanazzi
June 24, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear of my cousin, Rory,'s passing. I only met him three times, once when he came out to California to visit us, a second time in 1998 when my Mom and I attended a Dunne family reunion in Oak Park and a quick visit later that same year to his shoe repair shop when we were visiting Rory's parents. He was a very nice man and I enjoyed talking to him. Sending prayers and love to his family and friends. Tricia Giovanazzi
Isabel Vargas Schuurman
June 24, 2025
Deepest sympathies
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Roger
June 24, 2025
So very sorry to hear about Rory.
I met him in high school while we were both learning how to play guitar.
After our weekly grocery shopping we often stopped at his shop to say hello, he always had "good news" to say to me and my family.
The smile on his face seemed to suggest that he knew something good that I didn't and he couldn't wait to tell me.
RIP Rory, you were a good man.
Terry & Shauna Kirschbaum
June 24, 2025
We are so sorry to hear of Rory's passing. He was such a gentle, God loving man that always had a smile & a wave. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
The Gibbons Family
June 24, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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