Michael Blase Dunn

Mike Dunn began life as the beloved son and little brother of five siblings and he concluded life as the beloved father, uncle and friend to so many of you reading this obituary. For decades he was connected to and the connector for hundreds of people that he truly cared about, but he had one true love, Francene. They celebrated their relationship every day with laughter and a strong commitment to each other’s needs and interests. The past 2 years after Francene’s death were so very different and difficult. Mike was still optimistic and cheerful, always welcoming visitors, especially Michael and MaryBeth, but his health declined. He was on the phone with Michael on Tuesday and there were quickly friends in his home, so at the end he was surrounded by and lifted up by those who care about him.

Born in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York, Mike began his lifetime of friendships at St. Ephrem’s Roman Catholic Elementary School. The family moved to Blooming Grove, New York where Mike (would want you to know that he) excelled at athletics and building relationships that he treasured for the rest of his life. He was also proud to set high school records in track and field and renewed that athletic ability later, achieving 3 medals in the North Carolina Senior Olympics.

Mike served with honor in Vietnam. As a Navy SeaBee, he learned a skill that would serve him well in his career – as an earth mover and carpenter, constructing buildings, bridges, roads and airports to pave the way for his military colleagues. With a proud family heritage of military and public service, Michael knew the importance of brotherhood, loyalty and dedication. Returning to the United States, he settled in California, working as a respected and active member in the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, Gold Coast Local 805 Carpenters Union and celebrating the arrival of his son, Michael McGrath Lang, with his first wife Natalie Ann McGrath.

He was the beloved son of Joseph Francis and Margaret Boughal Dunn and cherished sibling of Joseph Francis Xavier Dunn (Patricia), Donald Michael Dunn (Joan), Maureen Theresa Dunn Kobres (Dolph), Gerard Francis Dunn (Leona), Ellen Marie Dunn Carr (Joseph). He entered the world surrounded by a large, loving family that grew to include 18 nieces and nephews (some of whom were his godchildren) and has expanded further with wonderful successful, strong and loving grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. And Mike stayed in touch with so many of them!

Mike would say that his second lifetime began when he met Francene Werner in Camarillo, California. A Bay Ridge, Brooklyn girl who also went to St. Ephram’s, they were 3,000 miles from where they started, but it was clear from their first date that they were “made for each other”. They created a beautiful life together, embracing each other’s extended families, traveling, working, laughing, growing, welcoming visitors and always sending a Christmas letter, so that we knew of their memorable times throughout the year.

Retired as a Master Carpenter, Mike and Francene purchased their dream home in North Carolina, surrounded by the amazing neighbors who became dear friends, and they welcomed every one of their traveling family and friends to enjoy how close they were to Route 95 and the airport. He found so much happiness in heading to the car wash and gassing up the van, so that he was ready to make airport runs and give tours of the Clayton, NC area!

Mike had many interests – a clean van, fun motorcycles, travel, connecting with friends and family, laughing and telling stories. He spent so much of his life in the best way – combining all those interests and sharing time with many of you. A man of routines, Mike would want you to remember him enjoying daily phone calls with Michael, doing yard work in the morning, followed by a peanut butter and jelly sandwich at 11am, a nap, the afternoon spent reading a good book and a laughter-filled dinner with people he loved. If you were really special, the evening extended to 6 or 6:30pm… it’s likely that many of you experienced being with him at that late hour. 😊

Please join us on Saturday, September 14th at 11am to celebrate the life and legacy of our very special father, friend, and uncle. We’ll be in Clayton, NC for the service and a gathering later at Mike and Francene’s home. Our family would like to express tremendous gratitude for the kindness and presence of Gina and Lily and their families in these past 2 years! We’ll also be livestreaming the service to those who are near and dear, but farther away. We hope to host a gathering in the northeast or southeast soon. Please upload your photos here and share your memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Michael's name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105