BOSTON -- An Abington Marine died Sunday after a dispute over a barking dog led another man to allegedly punch him in the face last week.

Police said Brian Cherry, 48, fell and hit his head on the pavement Monday after being punched in the head by Michael McGunigle, 49, at a coffee shop in a strip mall parking lot in Abington. McGunigle is charged with aggravated assault after witnesses said he sucker-punched Cherry.

Officials at Massachusetts General Hospital said Cherry succumbed to his injuries at about 4:30 p.m. after falling into a coma last week.

Authorities said Cherry spoke to McGunigle about McGunigle's German shepherd dog, which was barking and lunging at people and frightening children leaving a nearby karate class.

His friend, Robbie Poulin, was with Cherry when the dispute erupted.

"That's what Brian was doing, just looking out for them," Poulin said.

Poulin said Cherry simply suggested that McGunigle restrain his dog better. No one expected physical violence to erupt.

McGunigle was released on $3,000 bail after pleading not guilty to aggravated assault Wednesday. He contended Cherry was the aggressor, but police said 15 separate witnesses all said McGunigle was the aggressor.