Providence Community Remembers One of Its Own, Gone at 16

NEW LENOX, IL — It couldn't have been clearer just how much Providence Catholic High School sophomore Charlie Dunne was loved.

Hundreds gathered at the school's grotto Tuesday evening to grieve the loss of 16-year-old Dunne, who died that evening after suffering an acute asthma attack over the weekend.

At news of Charlie's condition Monday, classmates took to social media to rally for the football player. They spread the hashtags #prayforcharlie and later #ripcharlie across the Celtic family, a heartwarming show of solidarity for the Tinley Park resident.

"Never thought one person could bring that many people together in such a short amount of time," one classmate wrote.

Oh, but he did.

Nearly 700 attended a mass in his honor Tuesday—which called for relocation of the poignantly larger than predicted crowd. And just as many flocked to the school's courtyard later that evening, candles and rosaries in hand to lift his name in prayer.

"Tonight, Charlie rests in the arm of the angel," Principal Dr. John Harper wrote to families Tuesday night.

“He just loved being part of the team,” Charlie’s father, Mike Dunne, told the crowd, as reported by the Herald-News.

His friends call him "one of the funniest and most optimistic kids" they've ever met, and "the definition of a perfect friend, was always there when you needed a smile or a hug."

Wearing the number 63, Charlie played on the the offensive and defensive lines for the Providence sophomore football team. Those at the grotto said six Hail Marys and three Our Fathers, in his honor.

They closed the evening by singing the fight song. Once a celtic, always a celtic, they say.

"It is only fitting that Providence's mascot is a Charlie Celtic," wrote one classmate.

"It's hard to forget someone who gave you so much to remember," shared another.

Charlie also had deep ties to the Tinley Park Bulldogs organization and Kirby District 140. Visitation will be held Friday, May 6, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Providence Catholic High School, 1800 W. Lincoln Hwy. Funeral will be held Saturday, May 7, at 8:45 a.m., directly at St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr Church, 17500 S. 84th Ave., Tinley Park.

Full obituary:

Charles Robert "Charlie" Dunne, age 16 suddenly, late of Tinley Park. Adored son of Michael and Jodi nee Krohn. Loving brother of Jack. Cherished grandson of Jim and Carole Dunne and Bob and Claudia Krohn. Dear nephew of Brian (Lisa) Dunne, Timothy (Kathy) Dunne, Joseph (late Judi) Weingarz, Carrie Farmer, Deb (George) Klee, Jeff (Jill) Krohn and the late Kathleen Dunne. Kind cousin of Josh & Nick Dunne, Matt, Colleen & Kelly Dunne, Kevin, Sean, Claire & Maggie Weingarz, Kyle & Emily Farmer, Meg & Becca Klee, Tyler & Lexi. Dear godson of Joseph and the late Judi Weingarz. Special buddy of Uncle Bob Weber. Charlie was a sophomore at Providence Catholic High School and a dedicated member of the football team. Visitation Friday, May 6th, from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Providence Catholic High School, 1800 W. Lincoln Hwy, New Lenox, IL 60451. Funeral Saturday, May 7th, 8:45 a.m. directly at St. Stephen Deacon & Martyr Church, 17500 S. 84th Ave.,Tinley Park, IL 60487, Mass 8:45 a.m. Private Interment Good Shepherd Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Charlie Dunne Memorial Scholarship, checks made payable to Providence Catholic High School. Arrangements entrusted to Thornridge Funeral Home (Janusz Family Funeral Service)