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John P. Tolan Sr.

FUNERAL HOME

Charles J. O'Shea Funeral Homes, Inc. - Wantagh

603 Wantagh Avenue

Wantagh, New York

John Tolan Obituary

TOLAN - John P. Sr., of East Meadow, NY and Dunewood, Fire Island, formerly of Levittown, NY on September 3, 2008 in his 79th year. Beloved husband of the late Sally. Loving father Maryellen Cain (Thomas), Maureen Hennelly (Thomas), John, Jr., and Kevin (Leslie). Cherished grandfather of Sarah (Sean), Katelyn, Marykate, and Ryan. Adored brother of Thomas and Robert. Retired NYPD Detective. Former St. John's Basketball Player and proud basketball supporter. Reposing Thursday, after 7pm, at the Charles J. O'Shea Funeral Home, 603 Wantagh Ave. (Exit 28N SS Pkwy), Wantagh, NY. Mass of Christian burial will be held St. Bernard's RC Church, Saturday 9:45am. Interment to follow at Holy Rood Cemetery, Westbury, NY. Family will receive friends Thursday, 7–9pm and Friday, 2–5pm and 7–9pm. www.osheafuneral.com

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Published by Newsday on Sep. 4, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for John Tolan

18 Entries

Bill McConathy

April 9, 2009

Dear John,

I was searching for you online hoping to reconnect with you after all of these years and found out about your Dad's passing. I only had the opportunity to meet him on a few occasions but he and your mother made a tremendous impression on me as they welcomed me into their home and took care of this "Louisiana country boy" on my visits to New York. They were both such wonderful people and I feel blessed to have met them.

Megan Reid Tyhacz

September 14, 2008

Dear John, Maureen, Maryellen, and Kevin,
I was so sorry to hear about your Dad. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
All the Best,
Megan

Maureen & Peter Carsten

September 13, 2008

To The Tolan Family,

Sorry to hear about your Dad. He and your Mom were very welcoming people. We hope their memories keep you all smiling.

September 11, 2008

"The history of our grandparents is remembered
not with rose petals but in the laughter and tears
of their children and their children's children.
It is into us that the lives of grandparents have
gone. It is in us that their history becomes a future."

Teresa Milano (Short)

September 10, 2008

To MaryEllen, JP, Maureen & Kevin ~
Your Dad was the best of the best and I will miss him terribly, as I know all of you will. I hope that he and Aunt Sally have fun dancing in heaven :)
Love you guys...........
Teresa

alice weber

September 9, 2008

dear maryellen, maureen, john and kevin, our deepest sympathy on the passing of your dad, we enjoyed beening with him at those geat basketball games. sincerely alice and bill weber

Kevin Cain

September 7, 2008

We just learned today of John's passing and are so sorry for your loss. John was a dear friend of the Cain Family for many years. He will be missed very much. Please accept our condolences. The Cain Family

Jim Wallick

September 6, 2008

Dear John & Maryellen,
I wanted to let you know that although we have not been to Fire Island much the last few years, your father was always one of the highlights when we were. For so many years he would be one of the first people I would see on my way to the courts or the store. He always had that great smile, cheerful hello & welcoming personality. Cat and I will miss him but will always have some wonderful memories of a truly special man. I hope your great memories will see you guys through & fill some of the void in this very sad time.
Warmest regards,
Jim

Lou Cesario

September 5, 2008

Dear Maryellen, Maureen, John and Kevin,
I am so sorry for your loss, having the chance to meet your dad at Hertz was the second best thing that happened to me while working there, he was my advisor, my protector and more important, my friend. And then to see him again years later in our family was even better. I will miss his smile at basketball games and his laughter when we would talk over the old times when we worked together. I loved him like he was my own dad.
I know he has many friends in heaven.
Love, Louie

Colleen OBrien

September 5, 2008

Maryellen,
Losing the first man you ever knew and loved is so difficult.He might be gone but he will always be with you,he will send you a sign.My deepest condolences to you and your entire family.

Gary and Robin Flynn

September 5, 2008

Our sincerest condolences go out to the Tolan family and friends. Robin and I have the fondest memories of Mr. and Mrs. T as they always made us feel at home anytime we dropped in to visit. They both were two of the most hospitable people on the planet and now can reunite together in their next life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Jeanne, Tom & Matthew Tyler

September 5, 2008

To John's Family & Friends,

We are so sorry for your loss. We got to know John a little bit over the last several years during July's in Dunewood. We really enjoyed talking to him on the ferry dock and the beach. He always said hello and always seemed happy. We'll miss seeing him next summer!

Sincerely,

Donald Short

September 5, 2008

JP,MaryEllen,Maureen &Kevin,
It has been so long but I will not forget the laughter of my dearest (Godfather) Uncle John: Fire Island, The New York Mets, hijinx with my cousins and as usual him helping by bailing us out. The "woody" station wagon that should probably have been enshrined in the Levittown Historical Society; finding the Santa Claus suit in the closet and thinking"...hey wait a minute, come to think of it Uncle John and him were never in the same room together!" The way he would call out "Hey Donald...listen to this one..." A new joke. And that laugh. From his soul on up and into our hearts.
I miss the innocence of that time. Growing up in the 60's on LI. Life is so short and precious and ever changing but I wanted you all to know if I ever thought of a second Dad it would have been my Uncle John.
Love Always
Donald Short jr.
Pasadena, Ca
I miss you all and would love to hear from you anytime.

Rest N. Peace

September 4, 2008

There are plenty of terrific people who have been called to join us.. meaning more than enough to take care of him. Grandpa is in good hands =)

charles marquardt

September 4, 2008

John,
I am sorry to hear about your Dad. A terrific man. I would always see him at the Island Garden;such a positive person, and joy to be around.
He is in heaven for sure.

Sue McAuliffe

September 4, 2008

John, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Please accept my sincere sympathy. He must have been quite a guy! You're blessed to have had him in your life.
Sue

Yvonne Perno

September 4, 2008

We are so sorry to hear about your dad. He was truly a very special man. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love Kevin & Yvonne Perno

Kathy Trotta

September 4, 2008

Dear Cousins,

Please accept our deepest sympathy at the loss of your dear Dad.
He was a special person in my life since I was 2 years old. Even though I was young I will always recall that day and being found on the beach at Rockaway by him He carried me on his shoulders until I was reunited with my family, including your Mom.
Now they are together again.

Missing them and missing you all.
Kathy & Ed

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