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John A. Dolan

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Norwich University

FUNERAL HOME

Della Vecchia Funeral Home - Southington

211 North Main Street

Southington, Connecticut

John Dolan Obituary

John A. Dolan, 36, of Southington, died Thursday, (May 16, 2002) at CT Hospice in Branford, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the husband of Heather Lyn (Bresnahan) Dolan. Born in Waterbury on July 28, 1965, the son of James and Laney (Crowley) Dolan of New Britain and Charlestown, RI. He had attended local schools in Waterbury and Meriden, and graduated from Maloney High School, as the 1983 Class President. John graduated with a BA in History from Norwich University, Vermont. He began his career in law enforcement with the Meriden Police Department. John was a U.S. Army Veteran of Operation Desert Storm, and was a commissioned Captain with the U.S. Army Reserve. John was a 12 year Veteran of the CT State Police serving in the Bethany, Litchfield, Southbury Troops, and most recently as a Detective in the Gang Unit. He was an active member of the American Legion Kiltonic Post #72 and the Southington Elks Lodge #1669. He was a member of the CT State Police Emerald Society, and Academy Alumni Association. Besides his wife and parents, he is survived by two brothers, Rev. Michael J. Dolan of St. Mary's Church in Newington, and James C. and his wife Emilyn Dolan of Southington; his paternal grandmother, Katherine Dolan of Waterbury; in-laws, Erin Bresnahan, and Craig and Kelly Mafale and their children, Ashley and Sarah; mother-in-law, Ellen Bresnahan; and father-in-law, John Bresnahan and his wife Midge, all of Southington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, 1 p.m., at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, 140 Farmington Ave., Hartford. Calling hours will be TODAY, 4-8 p.m., at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington. Burial, with full Military and State Police Honors, will be in South End Cemetery, Southington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Disabled American Veterans, 35 Cold Spring Rd., Rocky Hill, CT 06067. www.dellavecchiafh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on May 17, 2002.

Memories and Condolences
for John Dolan

23 Entries

Janice D'Avignon

June 5, 2002

To Michael and his family,

It is with the deepest sorrow I write to express my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your dear, sweet and funny John. I would love to have known him better. He was full of life and a good and gentle man. I will keep you all in my prayers. Love, Janice

SK Donald White GK

June 3, 2002

The Rev. Edward Shaughnessy Council #3884 & Assembly #133 of The Newington Knights of Columbus extend our deepest sympathy to Our Chaplain and Faithful Friar, Rev. Michael J. Dolan and all members of the Dolan Family on the death of John Dolan. Please know that John and all of you are in our daily prayers and special Masses.

May John's soul and all our departed loved ones, Rest In Peace.

Pax,

SK Donald J. White PFN

Grand Knight

Council #3884

Kristen Jones

May 24, 2002

To the Dolan Family,

My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to your family. John was a great person who always made me smile. He will be missed.

James Meehan

May 23, 2002

To Heather and the Dolan family,

My wife, children and myself, have all been touched by the pleasure of John’s company. I know many families slept better in some bad neighborhoods, because John stood watch and did his job. If heaven has a centurion at the gates, I know John will have a piece of that detail.

John always will be a “Trooper” and Connecticut is a better place thanks to the “Dolan Family”. My condolences and god bless.

Jim & Cheryl Meehan

Allen, Texas

Michael and Jennifer Bonnar

May 21, 2002

To Heather and The Dolan family:

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in this difficult time. John will be smiling down on you from heaven now.

James Sweetman

May 20, 2002

John:

You'll be sadly missed. Not only as a member of the Connecticut State Police, but as a friend. I will never forget the professionalism and personal friendship you gave to me in the Gang Unit. Thank you.

Captain Jim Sweetman

Suzanne Cabelus

May 20, 2002

To the Dolan Family-

I cannot tell you how wonderful I thought John was. He had a way about him that I will never forget. His humor, his kindness and his ability to turn any situation into a positive one were truly gifts that only few posess. I will never forget him and will always be thankful for having met John the rest of your wonderful family.

God bless all of you...

With Love, Suzanne Cabelus

kristen bernier

May 18, 2002

Dear Dolan Family,

God blessed you with a special husband, son and brother. May you find comfort in knowing that John is at peace now with the Lord. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God grant you strength in the days to follow.

Our Deapest Sympathy,

Michael and Kristen Bernier

Mr. & Mrs. Charles McKinnon

May 18, 2002

Our sincere condolences and prayers to the family of John A. Dolan.

And prayers also for the repose of his soul.

Lola Cotter

May 18, 2002

To Those I love

And those Who love Me

Now that I am gone, release me, let me go

I have so many things to see and do.

You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears

Be Happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess

How much you gave me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown.

But now it's time I traveled on alone.

So grieve awhile for me if grieve you must

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It's only for a while that we must part.

So keep the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on.

So if you need me, call and I will come

Though you can't touch me, I'll be near

And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear

All of my love around you soft and dear

And then when you must come this way alone

I'll greet you with a smile and say,

"Welcome Home"

-Author Unknown

Bill & Jo Ann Orlandi

May 18, 2002

Jim and Laney,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of great loss.

Bill & Jo Ann Orlandi

Neal Wholey

May 18, 2002

I am very saddened by John's passing. I will never forget the time I spent with John in the Academy and in the boxing ring. He was a true fighter, a gentleman and a blessing to all...especially to his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless. Neal

Paul Penders

May 17, 2002

To John's Family,

John made the world a better place for us all. His sense of humor and positive thinking were contagious. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers as with you.

Robert Hansen

May 17, 2002

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Very sorry for the loss of your brother. You have helped so many people in their time of need, don't be afraid to seek help yourself. See you soon Father Michael.

David Gibbons

May 17, 2002

...And if I go,
while you're still here...
Know that I live on,
vibrating to a different measure
---behind a veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me,
so you must have faith.
I wait for the time when we can soar together again
---aware of each other.
Until then, live your life to its fullest and when you need me,
Just whisper my name in your heart
. . .I will be there.

he is

Mo Parker

May 17, 2002

Dear Heather & Dolan Family,

John brought pleasure and happiness to everyone he encountered and he touched my heart and life in a way that words can not describe. I will miss him greatly and I am here for you no matter what the need may be. I'm very sorry for your loss. May God be with you during this difficult time.

Newington Volunteer Fire Department

May 17, 2002

It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of John Dolan, brother of our Chaplin, Rev. Michael Dolan. We the Chiefs, Officers and members offer our heartfelt sympathies to John's wife, his parents and brothers, and family and friends.His courage and sense of humor in the face of adversity was a powerful example for all of us.May God hold him always in the palm of his hand.

Newington Volunteer Fire Department

Ken Muller

May 17, 2002

We bow our heads in the passing of John Dolan. My he live on in our harts and minds and know the eternal happiness of a life ever after. ƒ¼

Mugzy

Linda Angelillo

May 17, 2002

Dear Heather & Family,

Sincerest condolences... Memories of John will be treasured in the hearts of many people for a lifetime. He was truly a special person who enriched the lives he touched...Fondly, Linda

Linda Milam

May 17, 2002

Dear Heather and Jim,

I know no words will help heal your pain right now, but someone once said, "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." That was John. He was so full of life. He lived every day to the fullest. He was the strongest and funniest man I knew. Remember the fun times. Love, Linda

James Cotter

May 17, 2002

A good soldier to the end of the battle. Semper Fi

april terry

May 17, 2002

heather and family

we are so sorry to hear of john passing

our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

michael and april terry

Francine Strillacci Keusenkothen

May 17, 2002

To Heather and John's whole family, please accept my heartfelt condolences. John was one of my brother's best friends and just the funniest, sweetest guy. What I think most is how (starting with the safety council in grade school) he dedicated to and in fact, gave his life for public service - just an amazing person.

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