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Thomas R. Dolan

Thomas R. “Tom” Dolan passed away on July 8. A resident of Madison since 1966, he recently had moved to Woodbridge to be closer to family. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Jeanne (McLoughlin) Dolan; daughter Catherine (Katy) Dolan; his brothers, John “Jack” Dolan and Richard Dolan. Tom leaves behind his son Timothy of New Britain; daughter Margaret (Louis) Krepinevich of Beacon Falls; his grandson Patrick Clements-Dolan; Kaitlyn Clements-Donahue; also, his sister Mary Ann Reiner of Powell, Ohio, along with her children, Pamela (Roger) Waldron, Elizabeth Reiner (Kevin Adler), and Susan (Steve) Ware; his sister-in-law Dorothy Roberts of Jupiter, Florida, along with her children, H. Edward Roberts, James A. Roberts, Mary E. Roberts, and Kathleen (Larry) Reese; his nieces Bonnye Lewis and Stephanie Dolan; nephews, David Dolan, Stephen Dolan, Richard Dolan, and Keith Dolan; also, cousins, Colette and Brandon Dolan.

Tom was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He served in Washington, D.C. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the New Haven State Teacher’s College (now known as Southern Connecticut State University). He impacted many lives through his 34-year teaching career. He spent the bulk of his career at Daniel Hand High in Madison teaching science and English. Prior to Daniel Hand, he worked at Sheridan and Hillhouse, both in New Haven. He was the tennis coach for many years. He went on to become the girls’ basketball coach both at Hand High and at the Morgan school in Clinton. He was inducted into the Madison Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015. Athletics was in his blood. He taught tennis through the Madison Recreation Department. He refereed soccer and umpired softball. Golf and skiing were pastimes, also.

He got involved with the local MADD chapter after a drunk driver took the life of his daughter Catherine (Katy) Dolan in 1986. He remained active for 18 years with that organization. He did multiple victim impact speeches.

Tom was a prolific blood donor. He donated more than 24 gallons of blood over his lifetime. At one point, he was the highest donor in the area.

Tom was involved with the Quinnipiac Council of the Boy Scouts of America for 34 years. He worked many summers at Camp Sequassen. In New Hartford, Tom was part of the Eagle Board of Review process. He enjoyed working with the candidates to help them achieve scouting’s highest rank.

Tom’s faith life was strong. He was a communicant of St. Margaret Church since moving to town in 1966. He was part of the religious education program. Tom was a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the Honor Guard.

Tom loved his family. He strove to make others feel important and seen. He was always willing to give struggling or troubled students extra attention. Tom enjoyed being around people and would strike up a conversation with anyone willing to listen. He enjoyed travelling. Ireland had a special place in his heart.

The family would like to acknowledge the care given by the Hearth at Tuxis Pond in Madison, as well as the Linden in Woodbridge.

Friends are invited to calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 22, at the Guilford Funeral Home located at 115 Church Street, Guilford. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 23, at St. Margaret Church located at 24 Academy Street, Madison. Burial will follow immediately after the Mass. Interment will be at West Cemetery, 71 Jannas Lane in Madison. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Madison Athletic Hall of Fame c/o 14 Governors Way Madison, CT 06443. Arrangements are in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.