May God bless you and your...
USS Thomas S.Gates Med 2-94
February 11, 2024
Florham Park, New Jersey
Capt. Robert Dolan, led Pentagon branch
Navy Capt. Robert Dolan loved to be at sea, but with each offshore assignment he deeply missed his wife and two children.
His 20-year career took him to the far-flung corners of the world -- Bahrain, the Adriatic Sea and the Mediterranean -- but he still managed to keep in touch with the friends he made in kindergarten.
He was a disciplined officer who made it his business to excel at every post, but he also was a "guy's guy" who enjoyed grabbing a beer with friends.
"Bob was a touchstone for many of us because of the person he was, not because of his accomplishments as a leader," said family friend Mark Wallinger, who was best man at Capt. Dolan's wedding. "He was a friend to everybody, and a hero to those who knew him."
Capt. Dolan, 43, was working on the first floor of the Pentagon as head of the Strategy and Concepts Branch, when a hijacked jetliner slammed into the building last Tuesday morning.
The Florham Park native knew from childhood that his future was with the military, his mother, Joan Dolan, said. After graduating from Hanover Park High School in East Hanover, Dolan attended the U.S. Naval Academy, where he earned his bachelor's degree in ocean engineering.
His career took him to the Arabian Gulf to clear mines and to the Adriatic Sea as a combat systems officer aboard the USS Richmond K. Turner, in support of Operation Deny Flight over the former Yugoslavia.
In 1994, Capt. Dolan served as executive officer aboard the USS Thomas S. Gates in the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf.
From October 1998 to May 2000 he was commanding officer of the USS John Hancock, based in Mayport, Fla.
Capt. Dolan's decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal.
"He was a man who viewed service as a privilege," his wife, Lisa of Alexandria, Va., wrote in an e-mail. "Bob Dolan was the best and the brightest this country had to offer to the altar of freedom."
In addition to his wife, Capt. Dolan is survived by his children, Rebecca, 15, and Beau, 9; his parents, Joan and Robert of Florham Park; two brothers, Christopher of Quakertown, Pa., and Daniel of Bethel, Pa., and several nieces and nephews.
Arrangements were still being planned yesterday.
Not sure what to say?
USS Thomas S.Gates Med 2-94
February 11, 2024
USS Thomas S.Gates Med 2-94
February 11, 2024
To the family of Capt. Dolan, my name is Brenda Clark and I live in Stetson, Maine. I have worn you husband's bracelet since October 2011. I bought it form the Billy Graham ministries. I have wondered the years how you all have been. God Bless you all and know he is honored here in our home. Some day I would love to hear from one of you. 20 years I have looked at this bracelet over and over during the day and some times at night. I wear it all the time.
Brenda Joyce Clark
October 15, 2021 | Other
wel ..l hope he got to drive the chevy to the leeve after all... He gave all.... todd dolan smith....maybe a long lost cuz,,,
todd dolan smith
September 11, 2021 | Bolinas, CA
Remembering Robert on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Cindy Roe
September 07, 2021 | Galesburg, MI
DOLE,
JUST DAW YOUR WIFE AND DAUGHTER ON THE TODAY SHOW AT "DOLAN'S" GRADUATION FROM BOMB SNIFFING SCHOOL. ANOTHER OVERACHIEVER.
FLETCH
November 13, 2012
My family and I knew Bob for a short time during his first class year at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. He came to our house with his Class of '81 20th company mates. Anyone who knew him could sense a very special person who would succeed in his military career, no doubt. What a loss - my thoughts go to his widow, Lisa and children. Melanie Theriot Moore
September 14, 2012
We think of you and your family every year at this time. WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
Thank you for your service and your and your family's ultimate sacrifice.
Ken and Kathi Ochs
September 12, 2012 | Annapolis, MD
I may not of known you but it sounds like you were a great guy and was loved by everyone. Thank you for serving our country. I will keep you and your family members in my prayers.
Never forgotten. God bless!
Kara Dolan
September 12, 2012 | Washington, MO