Matthew Dolan

1959 - 2025

Matthew "Matt" Dolan, affectionately known to many as Papa Dolan, Uncle Matt, or Mr. Matt, died peacefully on October 31, 2025, in Mountain View, CA, surrounded by his family.

Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, to parents Elmer and Mary (nee Billings), Matt built a life defined by kindness, service, and connection. He and his 'darling' wife of 40 years, Anne, made their home in Wichita, KS, raising three children, Matt, Susan and Elizabeth. In 2014, Matt and Anne moved to Mountain View, CA, to seek medical care at Stanford for their late daughter, Lizzy, who lived with Cystic Fibrosis. Their move was prompted by love and necessity, and they embraced the new life, building a community around them.

Following Lizzy's death in 2023, Matt channelled his grief into purpose. He became an active participant in the Northern California Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, founding the "Lizzy Got Wings" passion fundraiser.

Matt spent his career in the hospitality industry, welcoming people from around the globe. He was passionate about local tourism, sustainability, and community engagement, partnering with these organizations: Ability Pathways, the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, San Mateo County & Silicon Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau. He was a member and on the board of the Palo Alto Rotary Club. His leadership and dedication earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious Tall Tree Award in Palo Alto for Outstanding Business for the Homewood Suites by Hilton Palo Alto.

He is survived by his wife, Anne (nee Wetta); son, Matthew; daughter, Susan; and his four-legged companions, Tucker and Duffy. He was preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Elizabeth; his parents, Mary and Elmer; and brothers, Brian and Patrick. He leaves countless family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones who will miss his generosity of spirit and light.

Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Los Altos, CA, Monday, November 10, 2025; Fr. Daniel Duling and Fr. Adam Grelinger concelebrated. A private burial in Scotland is planned for a later date to reunite Matthew with Lizzy on the Isle of Skye.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (https://passion.cff.org/lizzygotwings) or the Rotary Club of Palo Alto (https://www.rotarypaloalto.org/page/endowment-fund).