Obituaries from The Republican.
William M. DunnHOLYOKE - William Michael Dunn, 59, of Holyoke, died at Baystate Hospital in Springfield on May 29. Son of Carroll and Annamae Dunn, Bill was born and raised in Holyoke and took great pride in his city's history. He graduated from Holyoke High School, Avon Old Farms School in Connecticut, Amherst College, and earned a master's degree in education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He enjoyed hiking, camping, canoeing, fishing, and walking the Mt. Tom reservation. Bill was a master guitarist and moving folk and blue vocalist, but a mediocre fiddler. A songwriter, storyteller, and poet, he also participated in Irish music sessions. Known by many as "The Old Dunner" he leaves a long legacy of tales and friendships. He was a student of history and knowledgeable about the Indian and immigrant history of Western Massachusetts. He was also a student of Irish culture. He was employed by the Holyoke School system from 1977 to 2011. He taught at Peck School and went on to hold several positions at Dean Technical and Vocational High School, serving as head of the English department, coordinator of the Dean Alternative Program, Academic Coordinator, and interim vice principle. While serving at Dean he developed an interdisciplinary curriculum based upon the history of the Connecticut River. He also published articles on racism and multicultural education. He was a zealot for social justice which was evident in his life and work. He served as adviser to the school newspaper and participated in the Outdoor Club which introduced Holyoke students to hiking and camping. Because of his work in education he also held many part time jobs including stints at the Fitzpatrick Skating Rink, Mount Holyoke College Library, and as an instructor at the University of Massachusetts. He was also a carpenter and builder.
Obituaries from The Republican: