Martin J. "Marty" Dunn

HOLYOKE

Martin J. “Marty” Dunn, 64, died peacefully on September 11, 2020 with his wife, family and close friends by his side.  Marty was born in Holyoke to John “Beezer” and Florence (Donahue) Dunn.  He leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Kathleen Destromp Dunn, as well as a number of cousins, nieces and nephews and in-laws to cherish his memory.

Raised in Holyoke, Marty graduated from Holyoke High School where he was captain of the basketball team and quarterback for the football team.  He went on to graduate from Northfield Mount Herman and Columbia University, where he continued to play football.  Following his graduation from Columbia University, Marty continued his education at Suffolk University Law School where he earned his Juris Doctor.  

Following law school, Marty returned to his beloved Holyoke, where, during his long legal career, he was honored to serve on the Board of Alderman before being elected Mayor in 1987.  He continued his political career as a Massachusetts State Senator before serving as Attorney for the Massachusetts State Senate. Marty was a partner in the law firm of Dunn & Wilson Attorneys at Law at the time of his death.

Over the years, Marty amassed a group of incredible friends with whom he shared a lifetime of memorable adventures.  In the days leading up to Marty’s death, these friends provided much appreciated comfort, humor and strength.

Marty’s loyalty to the city he loved remained constant as he became a member of many civic organizations and boards including the Holyoke YMCA, the Holyoke Parade Committee, the Other Club, the 39’s Club, the Holyoke Elks, the Ancient Order of Hibernian’s and most recently, he became an honorary member of the LAMA Club.  Marty enjoyed participating in many events during Holyoke’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend, including running the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Road Race.  He was particularly proud of having completed five marathons over the years including the Boston Marathon and the Chicago Marathon.

Through his actions and words, Marty taught everyone who knew him the true meaning of friendship and loyalty.  Marty wanted everyone to know that he had a wonderful life and that he treasured the time spent with family and friends, near and far.

Calling hours for Marty will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2020 from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at St. Jerome’s Church, Holyoke. A Funeral Mass will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m.  All Covid-19 restrictions will be in place and may limit attendance at the Mass. A Celebration of Marty’s Life will be held at a later day so that his friends may gather to remember Marty and raise a glass in his honor.

FLOWERS ARE TO BE OMITTED.  Memorial contribution may be made in memory of Marty to the Greater Holyoke YMCA, 171 Pine St., Holyoke, MA  01040 or to the Maurice A. Donahue Memorial Scholarship Fund, AOH Division, Holyoke, PO Box 6535, Holyoke, MA 01041-6535.  The Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

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