Obituary Listings

Dunne, Brother Patrick C.F.C. Age 75

Brother Patrick Dunne, C.F.C. peacefully passed away on the morning of Wednesday, April 7th. This is a profound loss to our Palma community, to which he dedicated his life for the last 34 years.

Patrick Dunne was born in Evanston, Illinois in 1945, the third of four children of Edward and Kathleen Dunne. He attended Br. Rice High School where he played baseball and ran cross country. Upon graduating, Dunne joined the Christian Brothers and attended Iona College in New Rochelle, NY.

In 1967, he began his service as a religion teacher and coach at St. Laurence High School near Chicago. After 11 years, he was moved to St. Patrick’s in Vallejo, California, where he taught algebra and religion before returning to St. Laurence as Dean of Students.

Br. Dunne arrived in Salinas in 1987 as the newly appointed principal of Palma School. He served in that capacity until 2008 when he assumed the position of Palma School’s first president. He resigned his position as president in 2020 after serving 33 years as Palma’s lead Chieftain.

Br. Dunne considered Palma School sacred ground: “There is something very sacred here at Palma that has allowed it to not only exist but to prosper in ways never imagined by the little group of parishioners from Sacred Heart.”

Br. Dunne could be found every school morning, rain or shine, shaking hands and greeting students as they arrived on campus. He was a regular fixture at Palma athletic events. He was especially proud of each graduating class and had a keen interest in following their achievements as they made their way through college and beyond.

He was a stern principal and a level president who enjoyed good humor. He was never without a kind thing to say.

Br. Dunne was preceded in death by his brother Edward.
He is survived by two sisters, Mary Kay Casper and Maureen Dunne-McGraw.

A visitation will take place on Friday, April 16th from 10:00 a.m. until Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Jude Church, 241 W 2nd Ave, New Lenox, IL 60451.

Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery

Br. Dunne was a tireless advocate for education. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Br. Dunne Endowed Scholarship Fund, c/o Palma School, 919 Iverson Street, Salinas, CA 93901.

Arrangements entrusted to Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Homes

www.sheehyfh.com 708-857-7878

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