Donald J. Dolloff

Donald J. Dolloff, 94 of Gorham, passed away on June 18, 2025 after spending the day with his family. Son of Charles E. Dolloff, he was born on February 23, 1931. He served honorably in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. In 1955 he called Jean Merrifield and asked her on a date and they went to a dance. They were married on July 6, 1956 and shared a love of dancing throughout their marriage of nearly 61 years. They attended dances at the American Legion Hall and later they learned Clog Dancing, Square Dancing and Round Dancing and Don continued to dance until he was 89. Together they also enjoyed snowmobiling and the time spent with their many friends.
He was a respected self-employed bulldozer operator and was asked to work on projects for the Portland Jetport, Maine Turnpike Authority and the Gorham Country Club.
Don was the Maine Candlepin Bowling State Champion in 1970. As an accomplished bowler he was known for being good under pressure and winning in the final strings. In the Portland Press Herald he was called the Jackpot Shot Specialist, downing the difficult 1, 7, 10 pin "Jackpot" shot twice in his career; both wins were televised. After retiring from bowling, he taught himself to golf and was a member of Gorham Country Club and Salmon Falls Country Club and continued golfing until he was 93.
Don enjoyed music, having grown up with a musical father. He taught himself the guitar and harmonica and enjoyed playing and singing for his family and friends.
Although he was a homebody at heart, he enjoyed trips with his wife to Niagara Falls, Toronto, Quebec, Colorado, Utah and Prince Edward Island.
He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather and uncle. Affectionally known as "Papa" he was very proud of his granddaughters. He was known for his integrity and honesty, good sportsmanship, and being plain spoken. While he was a man of few words, when he spoke, it was always insightful.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Jean Merrifield Dolloff, his father, Charlie, his sister, Barbara.
He is survived by his three daughters; Heidi Dolloff Noyce and her husband Gary of Gorham, daughter Holly Dolloff Gallant and her husband Edwin of Standish, Handi Jo Dolloff-Holt and husband Jeffrey of Little Elm, TX and two granddaughters; Emily Dolloff-Holt and her boyfriend Brandon Wilbur of Somersworth, NH and Sydney Dolloff-Holt of Montrose, CO.
The family wishes to thank his doctors, the staff at the Inn at Village Square, the Maine Veterans' Home of Scarborough and Affinity Hospice for the exceptional care he received.
A Graveside Service will be held later this year.
Memorial donations can be made to the Inn at Village Square, https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E350622&id=7, or the Maine Veterans' Homes https://mainevets.charityproud.org/Donate/Index/20904 or Affinity Care (Hospice) https://mainevets.charityproud.org/Donate/Index/20904