Francis Xavier Dunn

Francis Xavier Dunn, 93, of Ho-Ho-Kus, passed away on March 6, 2026. Born and raised in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, he graduated from St. Veronica’s Grammar School in 1946 and Xavier High School in 1951. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955, most notably aboard the U.S.S. Salerno Bay. After his service, he met his beloved Marie Francis. They married in 1960 and settled in her native Brooklyn. Francis first worked for Bethlehem Steel before discovering his true calling as a ship broker, skillfully arranging cargo shipments around the world.

In the 1970s, Francis and Marie moved to Ho-Ho-Kus, where they became active parishioners of St. Luke’s RC Church. They shared a love for yearly cruises to Bermuda and cherished the warmth of their wonderful neighbors, especially Dave and Diane Thomas and their children David and Hailey, who cared for them with extraordinary kindness and devotion. After 52 years of marriage, Marie passed away in 2012. In her honor, Francis proudly endowed a scholarship in her name at his alma mater, Xavier High School.

He was predeceased by his parents, William and Genevieve Dunn, his sister Genevieve McGraw (Jerrold), brothers William Dunn (Eileen) and Thomas Dunn (Polly), nephew Brian McGraw, niece Patricia McGraw, and brother-in-law Jerry Kelly. Francis is survived by his cherished sisters-in-law Joan Kelly and Arlene Palazzolo (Frank). He leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and great-grand-nieces and great-grand-nephews who will carry forward the memory of his steadfast spirit and quiet generosity.