Matthew Dunn

Matthew Dunn, affectionately known as “Matt,” was born on February 2, 1953, in Trenton, New Jersey, to the late Jesse Dunn Sr. and Pearlie Mae Williams. He transitioned peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on December 28, 2025 at the age of 72.

Matt lived a life marked by strength, resilience, creativity, and unmistakable presence. Educated in the Trenton Public School System, he was a gifted and versatile athlete. He ran track, played baseball, swam competitively, and found particular joy in springboard diving. He also trained as a boxer at the Trenton PAL, inspired by his older brother Jesse and his Uncle Matt, which was an early reflection of his discipline and determination.

After high school, Matt proudly served his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in South Dakota. Following his service, he settled in Philadelphia, a city that would become home for over 25 years. There, he built a stable and respected career, working more than two decades at K-Mart in Doylestown, eventually becoming a supervisor. He also worked with Alliance Security for five years.

One of Matt’s most meaningful contributions was his 17 years as an AA/NA speaker and mentor, where he used his lived experience to uplift others, offering honesty, hope, and accountability to those seeking recovery. His willingness to speak openly and guide others became a quiet but powerful legacy.

Matt was deeply intellectual and endlessly expressive. He loved conversation, debate, and ideas; confidently engaging anyone willing to spar verbally, often leaving them smiling, exhausted, or both. He also wrote poetry in moments of solitude, giving voice to his inner world with insight and emotion.

Style was another of Matt’s signatures. Known for his bold fashion sense, gold chains, and fondness for leopard patterns, he dressed unapologetically for himself. He appreciated

beauty, antiques, and the unusual; especially when it came to curating his living space with pieces that reflected his individuality. More importantly, he also took pride in his physical fitness, enjoying workouts and maintaining a strong, disciplined physique well into adulthood.

Above all, Matt was a man with a warm heart. When he had the means, he helped. When someone needed encouragement, he spoke. When truth was required, he delivered it plainly. He will be remembered for his confidence, generosity, humor, and unapologetic authenticity.

Matthew was predeceased by his parents; his grandparents Tarlven and Wealthy Williams, and Jesse Clark and Ida Mae Stout; his uncles James Hardy, Matthew Dunn, and Tarlven Williams Jr.; his aunts Thelma Hardy-McWorthy, Gladys Hardy, Lillian, Ruby, and Beatrice Williams; his brothers Jesse Dunn Jr., John L. Dunn, and Robert Preston Dunn Sr.; his brothers-in-law Roderick D. Pannell Sr. and Benjamin Kendall; and his nieces Ciara Kendall and Darlene Owens.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Jane Gill Dunn; his two daughters, Diamond Ragsdale Dunn of Philadelphia and Naieemah Gill Dunn of Georgia; two grandchildren, Khloe and Kaleb Ragsdale of Philadelphia; his brothers Richard (Jennifer) of Tampa, FL, Ronald and Donald of Trenton, NJ, and Don Patterson of Ewing, NJ; his sisters Christine of Ewing, NJ, Denise of Trenton, NJ, and Evette Kendall of Robbinsville, NJ; his stepfather Jessie Brown of Trenton, NJ; his sisters-in-law Iris F. Dunn, Wanda Faye Dunn, and Patricia Dunn; his brother-in-law Derrick Walker, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends—especially Terrance McCoy, Purvis Parker, and Shirley George. He truly appreciated Melinda Sutton and Charles Davidson for helping with his care.

Matthew Dunn lived boldly, loved deeply, and left an impression that cannot be duplicated. He will be missed and remembered as a truly special soul.

Funeral service will be 10am Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Union Baptist Church, 301 Pennington Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618. Calling hour will be 9am until the time of service at the church. Interment will be at Ewing Cemetery, Ewing, NJ.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Matthew Dunn, please visit our floral store.