Retired Social Worker
Vincent J Dunn, Jr., of Montclair, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 3, 2018, at his home. Born in Newark, the son of the late Josephine (Merrilees) & Vincent J. Dunn, Sr., He was raised in Nutley he attended St. Mary’s Grammar School and graduated from Nutley High School in 1970. He earned a BA in Psychology and was a Social Worker and Counselor with the State of NJ before retiring.
Vinny was a founder and past president of the Nutley Irish American Association and was deeply interested in all things Irish. He was a driving force in starting the Nutley St, Patrick’s Day Parade and the traditional Gaelic Mass at St. Mary’s Church. He was also a past member of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh, the Nutley Elks and the Montclair YMCA.
Vinny was an animal lover and enjoyed traveling, reading and all sports. He was an outstanding athlete and was active in all sports growing up before to playing
baseball at the collegiate level. He was also an accomplished runner; completing both the Boston and New York Marathons.
Vinny was a lifelong New York Yankees and Notre Dame Fan, he attended Yankee World Series Games and traveled to the Notre Dame Campus to watch the Fighting Irish Football Team,
Vinny was also a big follower of high School sports. With family and friends he attended high school football match-ups each week. Nutley High School was close to Vinny’s heart and he was a huge fan of Nutley Highs School Sports with a special interest in the Raiders Wrestling Team.
Perhaps most of all Vinny will be remembered for his outgoing personality. He had friends from all over and seemed to know someone wherever he went.
Uncle Vinny was adored by his nieces and nephews for whom he played Santa Clause, told jokes and played pranks at parties and holidays. He was always involved in their athletic and academic accomplishments.
Vinny is survived by his sister, Kathleen M. Dunn, his brother, James J. Dunn & his wife Cheryl M., his nieces & nephews, Kathryn Suchow, M.D., Matthew V. Dunn, Esq., Courtney E. Dunn, Esq., and Aaron J. Dunn and his longtime friend Mary Braneck.
Vinny’s Irish exit was sudden and peaceful; he will always be missed and never forgotten.
The funeral will be Friday at May 11th at 9:45 a.m. from the S.W. Brown & Son Funeral Home 267 Centre St., Nutley.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church in Nutley at 10:45 a.m.
The interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery on No. Arlington.
Visitors will be received at the funeral home on Thursday from 4-7:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation would be appreciated.
Although Vinny did not have this disease it has affected many members of his family.
“We love you Vin…”