J. Michael Tholl

J. Michael Tholl obituary

J. Michael Tholl

J. Tholl Obituary

Visit the Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Homes - New Bedford website to view the full obituary.
We would like to share with the community that J. Michael Tholl of South Dartmouth passed October 13, 2025 peacefully at home surrounded by family. He was the husband of Micheline (Vavrick) Tholl.

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., the son of the late John and Natalie (Wills) Tholl, Mike built a rich and meaningful life in Southeastern Massachusetts, where he and Mish raised their four children.

A proud graduate of Gonzaga College High School and the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Mike went on to serve his country as a Captain in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, earning the Bronze Star for his service. He continued his career working with Sears and BJ's Wholesale Club and the US Census Bureau. In retirement he collected and sold antique and rare books through his online bookstore and focused on spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He leaves his sister Natalie Ganley and his children Chris, Lauren, Rebecca, and Brian; his grandchildren Will, Brendan, Amelia, Etta, Nora, Sage and Lilah along with nieces and nephews whom he adored.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 20th at 10 AM in St. Mary's Catholic Church, South Dartmouth. Burial will be private.

Hope, strength and love matter greatly. To all who are still fighting or supporting a loved one, keep going. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of J. Michael Tholl in support of Dr. Schlecter's pancreatic cancer research at Dana-Farber. You can make your gift either by mail with check payable to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 by phone at 1-800-525-4669 or online at: http://dana-farber.org/give

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

Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Homes - New Bedford

495 Park Street, New Bedford, MA 02740

People and places connected with J.

Make a Donation
in J. Tholl's name

How to support J.'s loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor J. Tholl's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more