James Robert Dolan

James Robert Dolan, age 91, passed away on June 07, 2024, at his home in Westwood, Massachusetts surrounded by his loving family. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on September 21, 1932, he was the son of James and Hermina (Denekamp) Dolan. Jim was raised in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston and attended Our Lady of Lourdes in Jamaica Plain as well as Boston Technical High School in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston. Upon his graduation, Jim proudly enlisted in the United States Army, ready to serve his country. A true patriot, after his time with the Army, Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves.

In the early 1950's Jim was introduced to Mary Fidler by way of his best friend Joe. Joe was going steady with Mary's sister Lorraine, and the couple felt that Jim and Mary would be an ideal match. They were quite right, because just a few short years later, Jim married the love of his life, Mary A. Fidler, on June 5, 1955, in his hometown of Jamaica Plain.

The newlyweds made their married home in the Roslindale neighborhood of Boston, and Jim pursued a career as a carpenter working for Western Electric based in Watertown, Massachusetts. This was the perfect role for Jim, as he was quite the handyman, able to find solutions to any problem, and having the know how to implement the fixes. 

In January of 1965, Jim and Mary purchased a home in Westwood, Massachusetts, settling into a quaint community that was perfect for their growing family. Jim had taken on a new role while living in Jamaica Plain, that of a father when he and Mary welcomed their first son. They would happily welcome a second son not long after their move to Westwood. Jim was a very involved father and was thrilled to also take on the title of ‘Coach Jim' when the boys got older, helping to mentor his boys and other Westwood youth on their Little League teams. When the boys took an interest in hockey, he woke up early every morning, taking them to practice at the rink before the sun had a chance to rise. 

Jim retired from Western Electric in the late 1980's, but continued to work, this time as a caretaker for his local church, St. Denis', in Westwood. A devout Catholic who often assisted by doing collections during Mass, Jim was happy to have the opportunity to keep busy and support his faith community. Anything that needed to be done, Jim could do it. If the church needed electrical work, Jim was the man for the job. If something needed to be built, Jim could do it. Many holiday banners were hung and decorations strung by Jim over the multiple decades that he served as caretaker. He remained a steadfast caretaker well into his golden years, even cleaning the gutters at 80 years old. 

Jim was a hardworking man, who loved his family and friends. He was always willing to share his skills and knowledge with those who needed his help; often stopping over for a cookout only to find himself fixing stairs or shingling a roof because it needed to be done. When he and Mary bought their home in Westwood, their second floor was unfinished. Jim put his heart and soul into finishing his home, completing the framing, wiring, and insulation himself, working hard to beautify his home and make it the perfect place for his family to live. 

In his free time, Jim enjoyed spending time with his loved ones. He liked to travel locally, taking trips to destinations such as New Jersey and Montreal, Canada to visit relatives. He loved to spend time at the beach, catching the waves at Nantasket Beach with his sons. Jim and Mary enjoyed date nights out, getting a bite to eat at their favorite restaurants and hoping to win using their lucky numbers at Keno. Jim also enjoyed watching his favorite sports teams play, thrilled to see both the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Bruins win championships in recent years. He also enjoyed a good round of golf, making the trek to the George Wright golf course in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston as often as he could. He shared his love of golf with his family, even teaching his many nieces and nephews how to play. Jim also enjoyed playing cards, always up for a game of Cribbage with his friends at home or at the Norwood Elks Lodge, which he was a member of.

 

Beloved husband of the late Mary A. (Fidler) Dolan

Loving father of James J. Dolan of Walpole, and Scott Dolan, and his wife Christine, of Medfield 

Cherished grandfather of Kara Fraone, and her husband Domenic, of Walpole, Kristen Blake, and her husband Richard, of Foxborough, Jacquelyn Swart, and her husband Ryan, of Bridgewater, Ryan Dolan of Medfield, Alana Dolan of Medfield, Caitlin Dolan of Medfield, and the late Michael Dolan; and great grandfather of Ava Fraone, Alexa Fraone, Emma Fraone, Colton Blake, and Lillian Blake

Brother of Ruth Foley of New Jersey, and the late Edward Dolan, Helen Mitchell, and John Dolan

Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Jim's Life Celebration on Tuesday, June 11th, 2024, from 4:00 - 8:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 12th, 2024, in the Saint Denis Catholic Church, 157 Washington Street in Westwood at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Gardens of Gethsemane Cemetery in West Roxbury.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in James's name may be made to New England Concerns of Police Survivors at P.O. Box 2003, Plainville, MA 02762