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Bernard Dolan Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Dolan
Ron Costa
November 3, 2024
I had the privilege of Knowing the great Fr. Bernie Dolan during my grammar School days at St. Rose School in Newtown where he was a priest, along with Fr. Tom Lynch and Pastor Ray Stephenson. Later, he taught me Religion at Immaculate High School in Danbury and finally, he was my Pastor at Christ The King in Trumbull, CT. "Bernie" had the ability to teach and preach about Jesus, reminding us all that he was flesh and blood, and was subject to everything we all go through, and obviously, much, much more. He humanized Jesus and the Catholic Religion and general and had the ability to relate to his students and parishioners on a very human level. He is sorely missed, loved and never forgotten. Thank you for everything and RIP!
Dennis D'Inzeo
October 28, 2023
Father Dolan always did his best to preempt the spurious machinations of the "Ant Gang", most of whom attended Holy Family School in Fairfield in the late 1960s. Nevertheless, we always remained on friendly terms with Father Bernie, though he did NOT appreciate allusions to a popular laundry detergent commercial featuring a hapless gentleman also named "Bernie Dolan". Rest in Peace Father Dolan. Thanks for being a good sport.
Cece Calabrese
November 21, 2010
25 years ago you joined Michael and me in marriage. Your friendship, guidance and encouragement has stayed with us both all these years. You are loved greatly and will be remembered always.
Linda Tillman
November 20, 2010
I will miss you Fr. Dolan...I just found out about your passing and I am so sad...You were a joy and a light to your parish. I always thought that you were a very smart and wise person who had a very eloquent way of preaching the word of God. May you rest in peace. You will always have a special place in my heart.
Linda Tillman
Barbara Bauer/Bombaci
November 14, 2010
You taught me at IHS "Class of '73" and always watched out for us at the Green Light. You were easy to talk to and always made yourself available. Later you baptized my son and I knew I could still count on you. I will truly miss you.
Mary Toth
November 13, 2010
Fr. Dolan..You were a great priest and a wonderful person. We will miss your kind personality and your kind ways. You will always be in my prayers.
Angie Gogliettino Flannery
November 13, 2010
It was truly an honor to have known Fr. Bernie & to have had him as one of my theology instructors. In May'82, he was the priest that married my Joe & me & made it all the more special. RIP Fr. Bernie until we meet again!
Lou Capellaro
November 13, 2010
He was the best! I also have found memories of Father Bernie's classes. He always had a good attitude about life and was a very caring individual. IHS class of '78.
Lou Capellaro
November 13, 2010
He was the best! I also have found memories of Father Bernie's theology class. He had an excellent attitude, and was a very caring individual. IHS class of '78.
November 11, 2010
Christ the King will never quite be the same. We will miss your smile and your laughter.
Rest in Peace, God Bless.
Maureen (Hough) Mocker & family
Trumbull, Connecticut
Joe O'Connor
November 11, 2010
I have fond memories of Father Bernie's theology class at IHS. He was one of the most approachable teachers that I remember from high school. I enjoyed his insight, his wit and especially his great sense of humor. He performed the wedding ceremony for my wife and I in 1989. He certainly left an imprint in my life and I feel honored to have known him.
IHS Class of '81
Kathi Hlavac
November 11, 2010
Whenever I think of Fr. Bernie, it makes me want to laugh. Everyone in high school wanted to be in his religion class because it was like Welcome Back Cotter! He was a jolly soul, and a friend to our family well beyond school. God Bless! Kathi Bohan Hlavac - IHS Class of 76
Robyn (Sosnowski) Berkley
November 11, 2010
Thank you Father Bernie for inspiring my interest in world religions...thank you for your smile and your laughter...you are missed and loved!
Richard Howells
November 10, 2010
Fr. Bernie was a a great teacher and a warm friend. He could make you feel good with common sense and a bit of humor! We will see you soon Bernie in the Big House! Some of my fondest memories were when he used to have me pulled from class so Patti Merolla and I could practice songs for Mass. Love you Bernie and see you soon.
Rich Howells - IHS Class of 78
November 10, 2010
Father Dolan, you will always be dear to us. Kim and Bill Hammer, Brookfield, CT
Mary Ann (Stine) Downey
November 10, 2010
I will always remember Father Dolan. When he was at Holy Family many years ago he became a friend to my family. Even though I was @ 9 yrs til this day I will always remember his wonderful smile and the way he always made me laugh..He will always hold a special place in my Heart,as well as my Families. I am honored to have known him. My Sympathy goes to his Family.
November 10, 2010
Father Dolan,
Our family will miss you dearly.
Karen, Bryan Michael, and Amanda Fowler
Grace Singleton
November 10, 2010
I will always remeber Father Dolan as a thougthful,kind & woderful man who always had a smile on his face. He never complaied about anything. Words cant even express how much i will miss him.
Mr. & Mrs. Wm McMenamey
November 10, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. The McMenamey Family
November 10, 2010
Father Dolan, you will never be forgotten. I consider myself blessed to have met you while in high school, then to have been married by you, and that you were able to christen both our daughters! No one ever knew what they'd get as a take away from your masses, but it was only ever heart warming in your unique style! Your spirit will always live on, and I'll cherish the stories I have in my mind, that you've told me, eternally. Cheers to you and the wonderful graces you've given to so many! Church won't be the same, but we'll know you are there with us always
bob s
November 10, 2010
father bernie you will be missed by all thank you for being there for all of us at ihs
Kevin Murray
November 10, 2010
Father, you made a lasting impression on many and will be remembered by all. Thank you for all you did for us at IHS. May God Bless you...
--Kevin Murray, IHS '78
Niles Mallory
November 10, 2010
Fr. Bernie was well loved and admired by myself and my classmates of the IHS Class of '78. God's rest Fr. Bernie.
Liz Spinella-Jones
November 10, 2010
Father Dolan and bus rides during Honors Religion.... does anyone remember those rides from the class of '75? He was the ultimate cool high school teacher.
Russell Fulling
November 10, 2010
Bernie was a good guy. Always a humorous and insightful perspective which made us all richer people.
Siobhan Kieras
November 10, 2010
My priest at St. Rose in Newtown, teacher at Immaculate but best of all my Sunday night laugh. While waitressing through high school at the El Dorado restaurant, Fr. Dolan, Fr. Rosito (sometimes Fr. Larry Caru) would come for dinner every Sunday evening. He would make me laugh until my stomach ached, often dropping a drink or two. The "boys" from IHS soon piled into their booth after dinner and the show began. Bernie welcomed all into his life. He had a beautiful spirit that so many gravitated to, while counseling, comforting or just being a friend. I will continue to think of you Bernie with a smile. Thank you, Siobhan
November 10, 2010
Fr. Dolan was truly someone who made a positive impact everywhere he went. I first met him when he was a priest at St. Rose in Newtown, where I attended grammar school from 1965-1973, he then went on to be one of the finest teachers I ever had at Immaculate HS in Danbury. Being able to reconnect with Bernie over the last 8-9 years at Christ the King has indeed been an unexpected pleasure. His good deeds are endless but anyone who knows him will remember him for two things. They are as follows, his boundless compassion and his uneqaled sense of humor. He was just fun to be around. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten. Thank you for everything. Love, Ron Costa Jr.
Carolyn Kost
November 10, 2010
Favorite quote: "Jesus' career was brilliant, but it was only three years long. I'm going on 30 years in the priesthood and it's hard to be scintillating." Most memorable moment: during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, at the Elevation, a baby started to wail and Bernie peered over his glasses and said, wryly, "Ahh, the joys of celibacy." Wonderful priest who modeled Vatican II values and valued the priesthood of the believer.
John Lionato
November 9, 2010
Fr. Bernie was just plain cool. A man of perspective, compassion and insight. You made a difference. John Lionato Immaculate 81.
Mary Fagan
November 9, 2010
He was a good teacher who made learning fun at Immaculate High School. Journey home, Fr. Bernie.
Margie Connors
November 9, 2010
What a unique and awesome person. Thank you Bernie for being there for so many of us at Immaculate. Rest in Peace.
Kris Zaumseil
November 9, 2010
Bernie was a member of our family for as long as I can remember and was a compassionate and loving man. His company was always sought, loved and appreciated throughout the years because of his incredible sense of humor and love of life. He will be greatly missed by all of us. Bernie, we love you and know you will make heaven a happier place with your presence. Rest in peace...we always loved you and always will. God Bless You, Kris (and my grandmother, Anna, and my mother, Dorothy)
Christine Portelance
November 9, 2010
My friend Fr. Dolan, I am a better person for having known you. Your intelligence, caring and wonderful sense of humor will not be forgotten. I'm going to try and make it to your funeral on the 11th and if I can find an old classmate or two, we will have a drink for you. RIP
November 9, 2010
Father Dolan was a wonderful man. He always teased me about my funny hats. Although I was shy about his comments I enjoyed every minute of them. He will be remembered in my heart forever.
Benita Feola
Pat & Deren Gilly
November 9, 2010
November 9, 2010
Father Dolan, the greatest guide through problems of life. A phone call to you and you saw us immediately. We pray: "Blessed Repose and Eternal Memory." Now you are WITH GOD.
November 9, 2010
Father Dolan was a wonderful man. He always teased me about my fancy hats. Although I was shy about his comments, I enjoyed every minute of it. I will miss him forever.
Benita Feola
November 9, 2010
Father Dolan was a very unique man--his quick wit and sincere friendliness was always appreciated. He was very supportive of me whenever I sought help. He will be remembered fondly by all of us.
Elaine Fattibene
Sheila Hanley
November 9, 2010
Father Dolan had a way of cutting right to the point when giving a sermon. I always gained some insight and comfort from his words. As a teacher he was hilarious. May he rest in peace. Sheila Hanley, IHS Class of '80
Carmen Cartiglia
November 9, 2010
Bernie, you made every Mass an experience worth attending with your quick wit and your warm welcome to one and all. I am proud to have called you a friend and to have enjoyed your company and vast knowledge over the past 24 years. My regret is that the last time I was in Trumbull I did not have the opportunity to once again listen to one of your highly intellectual and always interesting sermons. No one can replace you at Christ the King Church, or in our hearts.
anita collins
November 9, 2010
my family loved Fr Dolan, he was a comfort to us all when we lost our Kevin..he was a great.. funny guy, and wonderful priest...
Where are my glasses????? on the top of his head...
we will miss him so very much..
Bill and Anita Collins, Bonnie and Billy too...
Patti Merolla
November 9, 2010
Oh Bernie, I will miss you dearly...the laughs we had at Immaculate. He used to give me the keys to his big old grey caddy and tell me to get his lunch at the NY Bake Shop. I could barley see over the steering wheel! I made his coffee everyday and he would tell me it was horrible and would laugh! I love you Bernie, my teacher, my dear friend.
Patti Cakes, Class of 77
Patti Merolla
November 9, 2010
Bernie was my teacher at Immaculate High School and my dear friend. I adored him. He used to give me the keys to his big grey caddy and have me get his lunch at the NY Bake Shop. I could barely see over the steering wheel. He married me and baptized my daughter. I made his coffee everyday at school and he made fun of it! I will miss him terribly. Love you Bernie! You will alway's be in my heart...
Patti Cakes! IHS, class of 77
Cathy Broderick Renzulli
November 9, 2010
The world has lost a truly wonderful human being!! He was a gift to us at IHS and, for alot of us, well beyond the school years. God only takes the very best (and in this case, funniest)! Rest in peace Bernie.
Gerald Riordan
November 9, 2010
One of the warmest , brightest , funny person I have known. He made Mass a fun adventure & he will be greatly missed by many, many people.
Jerry F. Riordan
November 9, 2010
Thank you for your spiritual guidance in high school and college. You will never know what comfort your counsel provided during a particularly difficult time.
Kate Berarducci
November 9, 2010
Oh my goodness...Father you will be remembered for your wonderful personality, your wit, your way of words, your thoughtfulness. When I would come to mass you would know my name and ask "how is everything?" knowing that I was going through a terrible time...I could always count on you to pick me up and say "it will be ok"....I miss you terribly and hopefully you will still be watching over me! God Bless You....you are truly missed by me and so many others.
Love you!
Kate Farrell Berarducci
Mary Bohan-Gilbert
November 9, 2010
To one of the most crazy, fun and wonderful people I ever knew. I became close to Fr. Dolan at Immaculate High School and the friendship continued for many, many years. He married my husband and I and brought us to tears of laughter on many occasion. We will miss you!
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