John J. Donlan

Retired Assistant Fire Chief from the Dennis Fire Department, John provided 46 years of dedicated service to his community.

Born in Norwood, Massachusetts, to John and Pauline (Allen) Donlan, John moved to Dennis and began his career in the fire service, following in the footsteps of his stepfather Arthur Marr – a 30-year Boston Fire veteran.

He was issued the second paramedic license from the state of Massachusetts in 1983, beginning a lifetime of service. A life-long learner and educator, he attended State and National Fire Academies and was a certified instructor for many Emergency Response programs. Over the course of his career, John taught paramedic, EMT, rescue diving, and firefighting classes, training generations of first responders. Through their work, the ripple of his legacy lives on far beyond his years.

In 1998, John brought his first-grader, John Patrick, to sign up for Brewster Cub Scouts with no intention of volunteering himself. However, despite his full schedule, John’s enthusiasm led him to become a den leader. He mentored seven of his original Cub Scouts through to Eagle Scout and eventually became Scoutmaster of Brewster’s Troop 77, a position he held until 2019 - long after his three sons earned their Eagle Scout award.

He was a kind, hardworking, selfless man, spending most of his life in uniform in the service of others. When not busy with his other duties, John would spend his time relaxing on the beach, behind the wheel of his beloved Porsche 911, or busy on a remodeling project in paint-stained work clothes.

His altruistic spirit lives on through his family members. John is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Jane Camuso Donlan, and three sons: John Patrick Donlan & wife Kristina, Alexander Donlan & fiancée Ellinor Walters, and Christopher Donlan. His sister Kathleen Powell, and brothers Peter Donlan (wife Jean) and James Marr (wife Stacey). His father-in-law Patsy Camuso, as well as many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

John was a great advocate of the trades and craftsmen. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to mikeroweWORKS Foundation (mikeroweworks.org/donate), which funds scholarships to those pursuing a career in the trades.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 17th from 3-7 PM at Doane Beal & Ames, 729 Route 134, South Dennis, MA. A funeral service will occur Saturday, June 18th at 1PM at Brewster Baptist Church, 1848 Main St, Brewster, MA.