Cornel Dolana

Cornel Dolana, age 87, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford, CT. He was the beloved husband of the late Emilia Papa Dolana. Born on April 11, 1938, in Rusanesti De Jos, Romania, Cornel was the son of the late Oprita (Popescu) and Marin Dolana. He was predeceased by his siblings Ion, Aristotel, and Georgica Dolana, and sister Florica Dolana. Cornel's life was defined by courage, resilience, and an unwavering spirit. In 1959, he bravely escaped Communist Romania and immigrated to the United States in 1961 in pursuit of freedom and a better life. He worked for Edal Industries and the Picker Corporation before founding his own business, Doltronics, where he worked as an electronic engineer. He retired in 2005 and relocated to Port Charlotte, Florida. Cornel was also an author and storyteller. He published a memoir, "No Paved Road to Freedom", chronicling his harrowing escape and the life he built thereafter. Passionate about sharing his story, he participated in numerous book signings and was a guest speaker at several high schools, inspiring students with his experiences and message of perseverance. He is survived by his children, Cornel Dolana (daughter in law Cindi) of Clinton, Michelle Romanella of Wallingford, and Danielle Pierpont (fiancé Matt Bednarz) of Branford, as well as his cherished grandchildren: Joseph, Amanda, Michael, Nicole, Patrick, Ashley, and Nicole; and many nieces and nephews. Cornel had a booming personality and a boundless zest for life. He had a unique way of making people feel loved and seen, and his joy was infectious. His grandchildren adored him, and he adored them just as much. A lover of both domestic and wild animals, it wasn't uncommon to see squirrels eating peanuts from his lap or birds landing gently in his hands. His kind and gentle presence was magnetic. Among his favorite pastimes were visiting the casino-where he often seemed impossibly lucky-and simply being with his family, whom he treasured above all else. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St, Branford, on Thursday, June 12, at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery in West Haven. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Cornel's legacy of strength, love, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cornel, please visit our floral store.