Harry Martin Dunning

Harry Martin Dunning of Shelburne Falls died peacefully after a long illness at the Buckley Health Care Center on August 22 in Greenfield MA at the age of 78.

Harry is survived by Jane R. Dunning, his wife of 57 years; he is also survived by his two children: a daughter, Deborah Dunning Ponoroff, a son, Harry Martin Dunning jr., and by his brother, John Robert. Dunning of Youngsville, North Carolina.  He is also survived by seven grandchildren.

Harry was born in Port Chester, NY, and graduated from Rye High School, in Rye, NY. He attended St. Lawrence University. He worked for the Greater New York Fund in New York City and then served as Director of Development for The Brooklyn Hospital, Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, and Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisco, NY.  He served as Director of Development for Guiding Eyes for the Blind in Yorktown NY, and then became Manager of the Rye Golf Club, in Rye, NY, for ten years. He was an accomplished blacksmith, demonstrating at the Hancock Shaker Village in Hancock MA for many years.  He served as a volunteer firefighter from about the age of 30, joining the Hook and Ladder Company of the Rye Fire Department and serving until he moved to Massachusetts in 1994. He loved the fire service and joined the Shelburne Falls Fire Department as a call firefighter in 2005 and served until 2016.  Harry also served the community in other capacities, working with the local cable television station, serving as Sewer Commissioner, and serving as Commissioner of the Shelburne Falls Fire District.  For several years, he served on the Board of the Buckland-Shelburne Community Center, retiring as president. 

A funeral is scheduled for Saturday, August 26 at 11:00 am, at The Episcopal Church of Sts. James and Andrew, 8 Church Street, in Greenfield, MA, with a reception to follow in the parish hall. The Rt. Rev. Douglas Fisher, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western MA, will preside.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Harry’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Shelburne Falls Fireman's Association, 121 State St., Shelburne Falls, MA 01370 or Hospice of Franklin County, 329 Conway St., Greenfield, MA 01301

The family would like to thank the staff of Buckley Health Care and of Hospice of Franklin County for their excellent personal care.

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