Rev. Edward T. Dunn, S.J., a Jesuit priest, retired scholar and educator at Canisius College, died Sunday, March 24 at Murray-Weigel Hall in the Bronx, NY. He was 88.
Father Dunn originally taught theology when he came to the college in 1958. He joined the History Department faculty in 1968 and retired from teaching in 2000.
Father Dunn’s specialty was American History. He taught courses in the history of Canada, the Age of Jackson, America between the Wars (Civil and World War I), Colonial History, the American Revolution and the American Railroads. “Ned was an extremely engaging writer and lecturer,” said Larry Jones, PhD, professor of history, who served as department chair during Father Dunn’s tenure. “He blossomed as a published historian. He was also a good story teller and had a crusty sense of humor that many people didn’t realize.”
He was also actively involved in the college’s student organizations and served as moderator of Little Theatre and as faculty advisor for the Canisius College Republicans.
Father Dunn published many scholarly articles as well as several books through Canisius College Press, including Buffalo’s Delaware Avenue Mansions and Families (2003) and A History of Railroads in Western New York (2000).
A member of the Canisius Jesuit Community, Father Dunn was admired as a priest and scholar.
“Ned will be remembered in the community as an enthusiastic reader, teacher, published scholar, and preacher, said Michael F. Tunney, S.J., rector of the college’s Jesuit community. “To this day, people around town always ask about Father Dunn. They are quick to share favorite stories of Ned from the classroom and pulpit. Jesuits are meant to care for peoples’ souls. Ned made sure to shape their intellects as well.”
Born in Orange, NJ, Father Dunn entered the Society of Jesus in 1943. After he obtained a master’s degree in education from Woodstock College, Maryland; he taught Latin, English and German at Regis High School in New York City. Father Dunn returned to Woodstock to study theology before his ordination in 1956. He earned a master’s degree in history in 1964 and a PhD from the University of Rochester in 1969.
For more than 20 years, Father Dunn said Mass every other Sunday at Christ the King Parish in Snyder. He also served as “house chaplain” to the Koessler family for many years. Father Dunn had an extensive model train collection. An avid sportsman, he was a fierce competitor on the golf course and tennis court.
A wake will be held today from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. and 7 – 8:30 p.m. in Murray-Weigel Hall, 515 East Fordham Road, Bronx. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 27 at 11:30 a.m. in Murray-Weigel Hall. Interment will be at the Jesuit Cemetery in Auriesville, NY.
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