John David Dolan, Sr., AKA Johnny Good Guy, 79, of Hillsboro Beach, FL, died December 22, 2013.
John was born in the house his father was born in on Wooster Street in Bethel, the youngest child to Bernard J. Dolan, Sr. and Geraldine McCarthy Dolan both of whom predeceased him. Growing up they summered at their home, Seven Oaks, Bell Island, Rowayton, CT where he made lifelong friends.
John attended Fairfield College Preparatory School, Fairfield, CT and graduated from Delbarton School in Morristown, NJ. He was most proud of his attendance and graduation from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN, and was a tremendous supporter of all things Fighting Irish. Friendships formed at school were life-long as well.
John was married to the former Sheila Coyle of Danbury. They celebrated their lives together with their children, family and friends at their welcoming homes in Bethel, Candlewood Trails, New Milford, and Hillsboro Beach, FL. John joined his brothers at The Bernard J. Dolan Co., Dolan Construction and Dolan Realty, at the time the town's largest commercial and industrial enterprises, which were founded in 1885 by his grandfather Patrick Dolan and expanded by his father Bernard Sr.
John engineered the ability to exchange concrete mixer units with oil tank units on truck chassis allowing a truck to remain on the road with the same driver but delivering different products: this resulted in savings in capital equipment and truck maintenance and provided drivers with year round work.
Civic/Professional/Fraternal/Charitable involvement included but not limited to: Bethel's Special Gifts Committee Chairman for the American Cancer Crusade, Director Independent Connecticut Petroleum Association (now Connecticut Energy Marketers Association [CEMA]), Trustee of The Banking Center, President of Immaculate High School Parents Club, St. Mary School Board Member, Volunteer for Boy Scouts, American Cancer Society, Bethel Visiting Nurse Fund Raising efforts, Chairman Governor's Day Danbury State Fair, Bethel Library Board of Directors, Bethel Chamber of Commerce President, Bethel Lions Club member, Danbury Chairman of the Board of the American Red Cross, President Danbury Rotary, President YMCA Board of Directors, 4th Degree Honorary Knights of Columbus.
His children Deirdre Dolan Nesline (David), Geraldine Dolan Brady (Chuck), Maura Dolan McCarthy (John), John Dolan, Jr. (Stephanie), grandchildren Kiely, Brianna, Grace, Megan, Amanda, Alanna, John III and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends he considered family survive him. John was also predeceased by his brothers Bernard J. Jr., John's twin James P. Dolan and sisters Natalie Dolan, Diana Dolan Shaffer and Geraldine Dolan. His sister Corinne Dolan Carroll resides in Pompano Beach, FL. Our family is so grateful to John's caregivers: Donna, Marlin and Vivia.
John has been best described as a kind, generous, thoughtful, honest man of integrity. His favorite pastime was anything involving family, friends and fun! He was most proud of his family, their accomplishments and the town of Bethel. The Delbarton School newspaper, The Courier, said "He received the name 'Bethel' because he is always defending some wonderful point about his home town, Bethel, CT". NO ONE could make a chocolate chip cookie to compare with his! He exemplified faith, hope, love, loyalty at all costs, honesty and inclusiveness.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, at St. Mary Church, 26 Dodgingtown Road, Bethel. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Bethel. Friends will be received on Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury.
In lieu of flowers we are asking for donations to the following organizations referencing John D. Dolan's name: School Sisters of Notre Dame Retirement Fund, Mission Advancement Office, 345 Belden Hill Road, Wilton, CT 06897 (the order teaches at St. Mary School, Bethel,) The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation, JOHN DOLAN DONATION, Lockbox #1352, PO Box 8500, Philadelphia, PA, 19178. Should you prefer to use a credit card, you can visit online at giving.chop.edu or you can reach the Office of Donor Relations, during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at 267-426-5332 to make a gift over the phone. Please be sure when making a gift reference John D. Dolan's name.
This obituary is courtesy of the Green Funeral Home.
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