Josh Dunne

Josh Dunne, loving husband, devoted father and Marine veteran tragically passed away on December 2, 2016 at the age of 36 in his hometown of Las Cruces, NM. Josh was born in Roswell NM on September 15, 1980. He graduated from Silver High School before enlisting in the United States Marines. Josh was selected and honored as one of the top six marine graduates from more than 500 recruits. Josh proudly served his country for 5 years as a Crew Chief specialized as an aircraft communications/navigation/electrical systems technician of the Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion. He bravely fought for his country in both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Josh was honorably discharged from Marine Corps in 2005. During his time of service, Josh was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal; Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2*); Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation; Navy Unit Commendation; Certificate and Commendation (Individual Award); Letter of Appreciation, Certificates of Appreciation, and the Marksmanship Rifle Badge. Josh married the love of his life Melanie, on July 6, 2011 and together had their two children, Johnathan and Isabella. Josh was inspired by their wedding and eventually became an ordained minister and later officiated two weddings for close friends of his family. Josh graduated in May 2016 and received his Bachelor's degree in Social Work receiving recognition from the Student Veterans Organization where he served as President of the organization, and recognition from the Phi Alpha Honor Society from the Health and Social Services School of Social Work. Josh was working towards his Masters in Social Work at the time of his passing. Josh is survived by his wife Melanie Dunne, children Johnathan Alexander 6 years old and Isabella Ireland who turns one December 11, 2016; his parents Patricia and John Dunne of Las Cruces, NM; Father-in-Law and Mother-in-Law Manuel and Susie Munoz of Silver City, NM; his maternal grandparents Richard and Lorraine Dahlin of Roswell, NM; One brother, Jonah Dunne and his wife Diana of Sunland Park, NM; one sister, Audra Dunne of Las Cruces, NM; Brothers-in-law Johnny Ray Munoz and Mike Garcia of Moreno Valley, CA; Sister-in-law and brother-in-law Santiago and Marissa Miranda of Las Cruces, NM; along with numerous uncle, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and his beloved service dog, Sawyer. Josh was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Peter and Olga Dunne and Uncle Peter Dunne. Giving to others before himself was a trait that family and friends experienced in their relationships with Josh. His energy was infectious and he strived to ensure that veterans' needs were met significantly by working to improve employment and housing programs through meeting with various organizations in his community and speaking with homeless veterans and those veterans and families who also struggled with PTSD. His concern for others masked the fact that he was continually battling his own PTSD. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Services will be held at Getz Funeral home in Las Cruces with a funeral viewing on December 13, 2016 from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Honorary funeral service will be held December 14, 2016 at 1:00 pm. Joshua will be laid to rest at the Fort Bayard National Cemetery located outside of Silver City December 15, 2016 at 1:00 pm where the procession will be led Las Cruces' Combat Veteran's Motorcycle Association and the Patriot Guard Riders. PDF Printable Version First Visitation
Tuesday, December 13, 2016 5:00pm - 7:00pm,
Getz Funeral Home Chapel

1410 E. Bowman Ave
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001






Service Information
Wednesday, December 14, 2016 1:00pm,
Getz Funeral Home Chapel

1410 E. Bowman Ave
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001






Interment Location

Fort Bayard

Address Not Available