At the last minute, Gainer lost his bid for the Senate and decided to stand for re-election to the Mayor's office.
[2] During the Great Depression, he led a conference of four Rhode Island mayors to come up with plans for unemployment relief.
[2] Dunne settled the strike by agreeing to re-hire Public Works employees who had previously been let go for cost-saving reasons.
[2] Dunne was mayor when the Great Hurricane of 1938 caused widespread flooding and damage to the area.
Dunne declared martial law to prevent looting, and supervised all municipal departments in tree removal, cleaning streets, pumping cellars, and offering assistance.
[4] They had six children: James Edward, Robert Rawdon, Ellen Reed, Richard Barry, John, and Stephen; the latter two died before their father.
[2] Dunne was a member of the Catholic Club, Providence Lodge of Elks, Finnegan Council, Knights of Columbus, Providence Aerie of Eagles, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Sons of Irish Kings, Order of Moose, Exchange Club, and was a trustee of St. Agnes Church.