James R. "Jim" Dunne, 85, of Red Bank, passed away on Saturday, August 22.
Born in Jersey City to Cecilia and Luke Dunne, Jim moved with his family to Keansburg at an early age, where he was raised and remained deeply connected to the community. In 1987, he settled in Holmdel, where he lived until 2004 before making his home in Red Bank, NJ. Jim was the longtime owner and operator of
Dom's Deli
in Holmdel, a beloved local landmark he proudly ran from 1979 to 2004.
Jim was a man whose life was defined by
family, friends, community, service, loyalty, and heart
. A devoted public servant, he was a proud volunteer firefighter and served for many years as deputy chief of
Holmdel Fire Company #1
. Jim was not only a life member and current company president, he was a steady presence, a mentor, and a friend. His leadership extended beyond those walls, serving as secretary for both the
Holmdel Township Firemen's Relief Association
and the
Holmdel Township Exempt Firemen's Association
, and as Deputy Fire Chief for many years.
Jim's dedication to Holmdel was matched only by his devotion to his country as a United States Navy veteran, a Vietnam‑era sailor who proudly served aboard the USS
Mahan
. His service reflected the same commitment, courage, and integrity he carried throughout his life.
Many knew Jim from Dom's Deli, where his kindness, humor, and warm personality made every visit memorable. Dom's Deli was the "Cheers" of Holmdel, where everyone knew your name, and patrons were treated like family.
Jim and his wife Terry were also known for their extraordinary generosity, especially during the holidays. They always kept an extra table set at their home, welcoming anyone who might be spending the day alone, working a public‑service shift, or simply needing a warm place to stop in. For Jim and Terry, no holiday was complete unless everyone had somewhere to go. Their kindness turned countless ordinary days into moments of connection, and their deli into a home for the community.
Jim also cherished his weekends each summer at his home, affectionately named
"The Escape",
on Lake Wallenpaupack in Greentown, Pennsylvania. He loved spending long, lazy days cruising on his pontoon boat with friends and family, soaking in the sunshine, enjoying the water, and embracing the peaceful rhythm of lake life. Those moments on the boat were among his happiest, a place where he could relax, laugh, and share time with the people he loved most.
Jim also enjoyed a long career as a skilled electrician, bringing the same reliability and generosity to his work that he brought to every part of his life.
Jim is reunited with his wife Theresa, his parents, his baby brother Matt, and his granddaughter Jeremi Lynn Teixeira Mora. We hold his family in our hearts as we honor a man who gave so much of himself to all of us.
He is survived by his children: Bill Hadash of Red Bank; Sharon Salm of Freehold; and Alexis and her husband Paul Flanagan of Upton, MA. He also leaves behind his sister Patricia Baiersdorfer; grandchildren Caitlin and Liam; great‑grandchildren Lucia and Xander; loving nieces and nephews; cousins Jamie and Pam D'Anna and Frank and Julie Spinello; and dear friends Tom Kinlin and Tom Jennings—friends since the 5th grade, with whom he often traveled to his beloved Ireland. Jim was deeply proud of his Irish heritage, and those trips were among his most cherished memories.
Visitation
will be held
Friday, August 28, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
at Holmdel Funeral Home,
26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel
.
Mass of Christian Burial
will be offered
Saturday, August 29, at 10:30 AM
at the Church of St. Catharine, Holmdel.
Burial
will follow at Holmdel Cemetery, Holmdel.
In lieu of traditional remembrances, the family gratefully requests that donations be made in Jim's memory to
St. Jude Children's Hospital
(
www.stjude.org
).
Rest peacefully, Jim. You were the best husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and mentor to many, and you served with honor. You will be remembered with love. 🙏