RIP: 'A down to earth gentleman' - tributes paid after death of Dunnes Stores mogul's son

Tributes have been flooding in for Robert Dunne, the son of the late Irish business tycoon Ben Dunne, who died peacefully in New York on August 1.

Formerly of Castleknock, Dublin 15, Robert was the "darling son of Mary and the late Ben, dearly loved brother of Mark, Caroline and Nicholas and a beloved uncle of Ben, Katie, Pearl and Joseph", according to his death notice on RIP.ie.

His passing has left a deep mark on family, friends, and the Irish-American legal community where he was widely respected.

Robert built a successful legal career in the United States, where he was deeply involved in the Irish-American community, serving as President Emeritus of the Brehon Law Society of New York, an organisation dedicated to promoting justice and fostering links between the Irish and American legal worlds.

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He was also the son of one of Ireland's most high-profile businessmen, the late Ben Dunne, former head of the Dunnes Stores retail empire, who died in 2023.

The Brehon Law Society of New York described him as a leader and a friend, saying his "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." They invited all who knew him to attend a Month's Mind Mass in his memory on September 4 in Manhattan.

Friends remembered his "easy wit and gentle way" from his student days at Trinity, while others spoke of his creativity, warmth and humour. "He was a wonderful man, so creative and full of craic, may you rest in eternal peace," said one. Another recalled late nights in Rosie O'Grady's in Manhattan "playing cards with the Delaneys – a down to earth gentleman."

Many spoke of his ability to light up a room, with one friend noting: "His laugh was infectious, his wit second to none. May he rest in peace. Go raibh suaimhneas síoraí air.”

Robert will repose at Cunningham's Funeral Home, Church Avenue, Blanchardstown, on Sunday, August 10, from 4pm to 6pm. His funeral will take place on Monday, August 11, at 11am in St Mochta's Church, Porterstown, followed by burial in Castleknock Churchyard.

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