MARK DUNN

DUNN MARK DUNN It is with great sadness that the family of Mark Dunn announces his passing on April 30, 2021. He is survived by his partner of 29 years Pedro deBrito, his sisters Judy Serlenga (Bob), Janet Dunn (Bill Griffiths), Jean Dunn Gallagher (Jack), Mary K Dunn (Terry O'Sullivan), and brothers Paul Dunn (Trish), and Michael Dunn (Catherine Legan). He will be lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews Abby, Lizzie, Genny, Ayana, Dylan, Brendan, Colin, Declan, Connor, Morgan, Liam, Maire, and Laura; his grandnieces Halina, Frances and Anna; his grandnephew Thomas; his sisters-in-law Ana Teresa and Cynthia; and his brother-in-law Britinho (Anunziatta). They are each grateful for every moment they had with him. Mark was a beautiful toddler, with wavy blonde hair, dark eyelashes and perfect skin. He would contentedly sit or stand in his playpen in the garden and wave to passersby, something that no doubt forever endeared him to his busy mother. He was an excellent student, and a relentless reader, with one book in hand and an eye for the next. Adored by his teachers and classmates, Mark had the knack of hiding his mischief-making. Along with his younger brother, he often played practical jokes on unsuspecting siblings and friends. There were many satisfying targets in his family of nine. He studied at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts. From 1983 to 1987 he worked in the day treatment program at Rock Creek Foundation in Silver Spring MD, an organization whose mission is to empower people with developmental disabilities and mental illnesses. A colleague from those years said that when Mark stepped into the office it was "like the sun came out." That warmth and compassion was felt by clients and staff alike. For many years between 1987 and 2011, he taught in the DC Public Schools. At Hardy Middle School, Mark successfully wrangled hundreds of sixth graders through their math requirements, while simultaneously tending to their social and emotional well-being. His teaching style was playful but firm. For some reason, many of his students were very happy to be rewarded for their improvements or accomplishments with goofy looking 70's Troll dolls. One of his many gifts was the ability to make immediate and direct connections with people. He was able to quickly assess, then anticipate, their needs. His magnetism pulled everyone to him and this skill kept them close. Neighbors and friends were often in his care. He ran errands, did handyman work, made phone calls, and helped with gardening tasks. Because of this gift, his nieces and nephews clamored for his attention. When they were little they always welcomed what he called a "good babysit." His childcare mantra was "it's allowed!" Every moment he was with them, Mark conferred upon those children what every child needs: complete and non-judgemental love and acceptance. He also helped to instill in them an anti-authoritarian attitude, sometimes to the chagrin of his siblings who were the "authorities." Those bonds with his nieces and nephews only strengthened as they grew into adulthood. Animals held a prime place in Mark's heart. Through the years he kept many cats and dogs but any animal he encountered had his respect and care. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of spiders can thank him for their freedom. An immediate family only gathering and burial will be held in Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers please consider supporting these excellent charities: https://www.peopleanimalslove.org/give https://www.theovernight.org/https">www.theovernight.org/https://www.theovernight.org/