Granby Obituary: James Dunne, 77

James P. Dunne, 77, of North Granby, beloved husband for 48 years of Louise (Dubiel) Dunne, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at St. Francis Hospital surrounded by his family.

Born in Hartford on July 21, 1938, son of the late George and Ellen (Morgan) Dunne, he was raised in Hartford and had lived in Avon and Bloomfield before building his home in North Granby 43 years ago. James was a graduate of Hartford Public High School. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam Era. James was stationed in Germany and worked as a communications specialist and as a driver for Army Chaplains and Army Officers. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Connecticut and worked for vending companies and distributors. James later started his own business as an independent distributor for Pepperidge Farm and serviced stores throughout Connecticut for over 25 years.

In his spare time, he enjoyed target shooting and had belonged to the Hartford Gun Club in East Granby. He loved yard work, riding his mower and caring for the animals that came by his home. James was always fond of animals and had several dogs and cats as pets over the years including many stray cats that he fed and brought into his home. Most of all, he will be remembered as a loving family man who enjoyed spending time with his wife, his daughters, and his grandchildren.

Besides his wife Louise, he leaves two daughters, Leslie Anne O'Neill and her husband Lt. Col. Vincent O'Neill, US Army, and Catherine Leigh Dunne all of North Granby; two grandchildren, Katherine Anne O'Neill and Patrick James O'Neill; a brother-in-law, Francis B. Dubiel of Avon; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, George Dunne and Ellen (Morgan) Ryan.

His family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 22, 5-8 p.m., at the Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home, 364 Salmon Brook St., Granby. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Thursday, June 23, 10 a.m., at St. Therese Church, 120 West Granby Rd., (Route 20), Granby. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Granby Cemetery, Granby.

James' family has requested that in memory of his love of animals, especially cats, that memorial contributions be made to Mary's Kitty Korner, P.O. BOX 418, Pleasant Valley, CT 06063.