Shock as tycoon Ben Dunne's son dies at 50 less than 2 years after dad's death as touching ‘heavy hearts' tributes paid
TRIBUTES have been paid to the son of late Irish businessman and ex-Dunnes Stores boss Ben Dunne after his sudden death abroad.
Robert Dunne, 50, died peacefully in New York on Friday, August 1, where he was a successful attorney for the past number of years.
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Robert Dunne passed away last Friday
Credit: Facebook / Brehon Law Society of New York
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He was the son of the late Irish businessman Ben Dunne
He was originally from Castleknock in Dublin 15.
Robert's death comes less than two years after the passing of his father, Ben, who died from a fatal heart attack while on holiday in Dubai.
Ben was a one-time boss of Dunnes Stores before it was ended in 1992 with the sale of his share of the company.
Robert is survived by his mother Mary, and siblings Mark, Caroline and Nicholas and his beloved nephews and nieces Ben, Katie, Pearl and Joseph.
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Robert will repose at Cunningham's Funeral Home at Church Avenue in Blanchardstown on Sunday.
On Monday, he will be brought to St Mochta's Church at Porterstown in Clonsilla, followed by burial in Castleknock Churchyard.
The news of his sudden passing has shocked the local community and beyond, with many people paying tribute to the "funny man" and "a lovely person".
Brehon Law Society of New York said: "It is with heavy hearts and deep respect and remembrance that we announce the passing of Robert 'Rob' Dunne, Brehon President Emeritus.
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"Rob's unwavering dedication to justice, his leadership within the Brehon Law Society, and his enduring commitment to the Irish-American legal community leave a lasting impression."
The society revealed that a Month's Mind Mass will be offered in the memory of Robert on Thursday, September 4, in the Upper Church of Saint Francis of Assisi in New York City.
'JOYFUL PRESENCE'
They added: "All who knew Rob, worked alongside him, or were touched by his joyful presence are welcome to attend and join in prayer and remembrance.
"Our sincerest condolences to Rob's family, loved ones and circle of friends."
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Taking to social media, a mourner wrote: "Rob was such a smart and funny guy who was so passionate about his music. His passing is a huge shock and tremendous loss to all who knew him."
Another person added: "Just heartbreaking. Such a devastating loss."
The third person said: "Our sincere sympathies to all the family, he was a lovely person. May he rest in peace."
HIS CAREER IN LAW
Talking to the Sunday Independent in 2024, he revealed that it was the first-hand experience of the aftermath of his father's arrest in Florida in 1992 that influenced his decision to pursue a career in law.
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He was sponsored to work at the National Centre for Institutions and Alternatives (NCIA) in Washington after graduating from law school.
NCIA is one of the organisations that would draft a "mitigation report" for his father in the event that he was given a prison sentence.
Robert started his own solo law practice in Manhattan in 2011.
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Robert Dunne's funeral will be held on Monday
Credit: rip.iir
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