Celebrating the Life of Michael Joseph Dunne – Obituary
Beloved Syracuse Community Leader, Michael Joseph Dunne, Passes Away at 90
The Syracuse community is mourning the loss of a beloved leader, Michael Joseph Dunne, who passed away peacefully at his home in Naples, Florida on Friday, July 5, 2024. Known as Joe to his friends and family, he was 90 years young.
Joe was born in Syracuse, NY on August 4, 1933, to Helen Barnett Dunne and Michael Joseph Dunne Sr., who hailed from County Kerry, Ireland. He attended St. Vincent de Paul School and later graduated from LeMoyne College in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
After marrying his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth Briceland (Betty), Joe served in the military before embarking on a successful career in accounting. He became a partner at Coopers & Lybrand, LLC and dedicated himself to serving both his professional and local communities.
Joe’s commitment to LeMoyne College was unwavering, and he served on the Board of Regents and Alumni Board of Governors. He was particularly proud of the college’s accounting program and worked tirelessly to support its mission.
In his retirement, Joe and Betty split their time between their residences in Naples, Florida, and Wolfe Island, Ontario, Canada. Joe enjoyed spending summers at their cottage, boating, fishing, and cherishing time with family.
Joe’s legacy of integrity, hard work, and generosity will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Betty, his daughter Kathy O’Reilly, and his granddaughters, Amanda Ferguson and Kerry Rose Dunne.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Naples, Florida, with interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery in DeWitt, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Joe and Betty Dunne Scholarship Fund at LeMoyne College or St. Margaret Catholic Church.
The Syracuse community is invited to share memories and condolences on syracuse.com/obits as they remember the life and legacy of Michael Joseph Dunne.