Joseph Keithley Dundon

Joseph K. Dundon, 79, passed away peacefully in his home on August 16, 2023, with his wife Viki by his side. Together they shared 54 years of marriage, filling their lives with friendships and hospitality. Joe was a husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend to us all, and we will miss his warmth, wit, and charm.

Born October 13, 1943 in Boston, Massachusetts, Joe was the son of the late Joseph Michael and Pauline (Farrell) Dundon. He was an only child, but was close to many cousins and friends while growing up in Dorchester. Joe was a graduate of Boston Latin School, an usher at Harvard football games, an amateur radio broadcaster, and an occasional assistant in the Post Office where his father was a supervisor. While Joe spent the greater part of his life in Indiana, he never forgot his Boston roots, accent, or driving habits. Joe was a consummate Red Sox and Bruins fan, and rooted for both teams through thick and thin to the very end.

Joe came to South Bend in 1961 to study medicine at Notre Dame after Harvard and John Hopkins put him on their waiting lists. After his experience in Emil T. Hoffman’s Chemistry class, Joe changed majors and graduated with a BA in English and Communications in December of 1965. He spoke fondly of his time as a resident of Walsh Hall, where he made many life-long friendships. He was a proud graduate of his alma mater, and especially loved attending football and hockey games there. Among his regrets was missing the ND-Miami football game in 1988 for the wedding of his friend Lee Dunn, who preceded him in death.

After graduation, Joe dated Viki, the daughter of his landlord who lived in the house next door.  Joe’s charm and persistence won her and her family over, and on August 16, 1969 they were married in an ecumenical ceremony at Little Flower Catholic Church. Joe survived long enough to celebrate one last anniversary with Viki, his best pal and the love of his life. They were blessed with two children, Therese (John) Mellor of South Bend and Kathleen (Liza) Everett of Avon, Indiana as well as four grandchildren: Paul, Elizabeth, and Grace Mellor, and Kaylor Everett. Joe took great pride in the accomplishments of all his children and grandchildren, and never failed to share this with everyone he knew.

Joe spent his entire professional career at WNDU TV, first as an advertising copywriter and later an account executive where he, in his own words, “sold air.” His job gave him the opportunity to meet and touch the lives of people from all over northern Indiana. Joe was a fixture at WNDU until 1999 when he retired to care for his father and enjoy life as a grandpa.

While at WNDU, Joe was an advisor for the Junior Achievement Company “Beyond Our Control” – a local television program written, acted, produced, and directed by high school students from the area. Through his long-time association with this troupe, Joe was a mentor to hundreds of students whom he encouraged to see the potential in their own creativity, many of whom went on to careers in journalism and the entertainment industry. His BOC kids remained close to him even after his “retirement” in 1981, and they have paid tribute to his devotion to BOC ever since.

After retirement, Joe stayed busy with travel across the US and around the world. He and Viki spent their winter months in Venice, Florida where Joe volunteered as a docent for the Circus Train Museum between Red Sox spring training games. While in South Bend, Joe spent time at both Holy Cross Church and Clay Church in service, men’s groups, bible study, and Trivia Night events where his teams finished in second place too many times to count.

Joe was a friend to many, and there are few places in South Bend that are unfamiliar with the generosity of his spirit. Please come share your stories of Joe with his family. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 25 from 4-7 PM at the McGann Hay University Chapel, 2313 E Edison Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, 10 AM at Holy Cross Church, 1050 Wilbur Street, South Bend. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Riley Children’s Hospital or the charity of your choice.