John J. Dolan

It is with the ultimate sadness and the heaviest of hearts that the caring family of John J Dolan, Jr announces and mourns his passing at age 58 after a brave struggle with Parkinson's disease John was a 4th generation New Canaanite with an artist's heart and a genuinely compassionate personality that always sought and found the goodness in others regardless as to their station in life Kindness towards all was his "Modus Operandi"

John graduated from New Canaan High School in 1977 During high school, he played lacrosse and operated a successful hauling and tree service It was during this time that John discovered Long Island and surfing: two loves that remained with him for the rest of his life He attended Bryant University in Rhode Island, graduating in 1982 and afterwards, lived and surfed in Sag Harbor and Bridgehampton Long Island, where he ran a respected landscaping concern He also spent time living in Cambridge, Massachusetts Many remember John for his red trucks which he used to haul brush, as well as his surfboards John renovated several homes in Ridgefield and New Canaan teaching himself the art of construction As with much in life, John was largely self-taught, evolving from a furniture maker to a master builder

Always compassionate toward the young, John worked as an instructor for Outward Bound, teaching life skills to troubled youth through outdoor activities and kayaking John's adventurous nature and love of surfing took him across the globe The ski slopes of Aspen Colorado, the woods of Vermont and Maine the beaches of California, Morocco, Nicaragua, Peru, Mexico, Bali, Australia, Martha's Vineyard and coastal Rhode Island were just a few of the many places that John could be found Everywhere John went, he developed lifelong friendships and touched people's lives

It was in Costa Rica that John's heart settled down, specifically in the Santa Teresa/Mal Pais area on the Nicoya Peninsula There John combined his love of surfing and building and for 20 years lived a life of adventure and dedication to a vision - the creation of an incredible one-of-a-kind boutique hotel and retreat he aptly named "Casa Verde" John, in the vein of other visionaries and knowing no bounds, took

a raw piece of land perched on a steep hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean and carved out the foundations for Casa Verde, from which many beautiful ocean sunsets were enjoyed It was his personal "Buena Vista" Acting as his own architect and engineer, he designed and built, from the ground up, a living monument to his ability, taste and style Every inch of the property - from the intricate mosaics to the hand sanded rafters - reflect John's personality, high craftsmanship and dedication to his art Every piece of furniture within Casa Verde was designed by John and built by hand John poured his life and spirit into Casa Verde where his presence is palpable

John's legacy in Costa Rica is not limited to the structures at Casa Verde A man of intense artistry, skill and passion, John remained humble and kind He built more than walls: he fostered the growth and development of the dozens of men who labored alongside him over the years Those fortunate enough to work with "Juan" learned valuable trades and skills which have improved their lives and the lives of their families In Santa Teresa he touched the lives of many of the locals People said "John always had time to stop and talk, to ask after me and my family, to offer to help us if needed" His passing has left a large hole in the heart of the community

John was deeply committed to his family, particularly his nephews Rob Campbell (Mary), Peter Campbell (Jill), Matt Campbell, Jamie Dolan, Jack Dolan, and his nieces Riley Dolan and Audrey Dolan The next generation of great nieces and nephews, Caroline Campbell, Lily Campbell, Connor Campbell and Kate Campbell brought him much joy His Project Manager's young son, Josue, also occupied a special place in his heart All brought him tremendous joy and were his "Raison de Etre" John relished their deep friendships and accomplishments, taking great pride in imparting all of his worldly wisdom upon them

John was preceded in death by his father John J Dolan, Esq and is survived by his mother Marianne Kaiser Dolan of New Canaan, his sisters Meg Campbell (Rob) of Wilton, Marianne K Dolan of New York City, his brothers Peter Dolan (Julie) of Basalt, Colorado and Chris Dolan (Julie) of San Rafael, California He touched the lives of hundreds of people whom he befriended along his journeys, always leaving a little of himself behind with each of them Although his mortal life has come to an end, his spirit, cast far and wide, lives within the hearts of all who knew him

No funeral or memorial service is planned by the family In lieu of flowers, those inclined can make a donation to the National Parkinson's Foundation in John's Memory The family welcomes all interested to journey to Costa Rica and experience the beauty he created there

    - The Family

John J Dolan, Jr