Born August 15, 1939 in Lynn, MA to the late Thomas Leon Dolan and Muriel S. Boijolie (Dolan, Suitherland).
He was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Patricia A. (Massei) in 2002; his grandparents, Alfred W. Suitherland, Ludivine and Joseph Sawyer. Two dogs also preceded him in death, Bambi and Lily, who was his best friend and prominent figure in his life.
He is survived by his Life Partner Carroll A. Luben; daughters Christine A. (Timothy J.) Dolan-Kerr and Colleen P. (Mark E.) Janes, both of Enfield, CT. He also leaves behind granddaughters Heather Carson and Jessica Cushing; great grandchildren McKenzie and Jackson Carson; his brother in law Richard E. (Marie E.) Murphy and their two daughters, Suzanna Murphy and Kathy Busch; as well as Carroll’s daughter Tara (Darren) Petite, and her grandchildren, Florence, Joseph, and Zofia Petite. His most recent friends he leaves behind are his Chihuahua named Maggie and feline friends, Lovie, Missey, Frosty, Snowy and Whitey.
Thomas had an open heart and always wanted to help those in need, as shown by his long and diversified volunteer service in emergency services spanning over 40 years. He was also immensely proud of his time spent as a Board Director for the School Board of Chambersburg where he served 2 of his 4 year term prior to his passing.
His hobbies included gardening, traveling and spending time with his animal friends. He was always searching for more knowledge, always reading and taking a class for something new to learn. He was also a licensed HAM radio operator, with the call sign KB3YDD.
He resided in Enfield and East Windsor, CT for 33 years prior to retirement and moving to Chambersburg, PA in 2006. Thomas graduated from the Essex Agriculture Institute in Hawthorne, MA and Asnuntuck Community College, Enfield, CT with honors, he left the Stockbridge School of Agriculture with a degree in Agriculture, attended the University of Massachusetts, and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s in general studies. While at the University of Massachusetts he was elected to the student senate.
Thomas had a long history in management spanning some 33 years, working and living in 5 states. Fifteen of those years were spent with F. W. Woolworth/Woolco, completing a four year management training program and then promoted to store manager, division manager and finally assistant general manager. He was last employed by Enfield Public Schools where he had a position in facility maintenance until he retired in 2006.
Thomas spent many years volunteering in emergency services beginning with Red Cross in the early 1960’s. He was also a certified special police officer, and received his firefighter certification 1 & 2 while at the University of Massachusetts. He was a certified EMT in CT and PA for over the last 2 decades and drove the ambulance regularly for the Suffield Ambulance Company for several years.
After moving to PA, he affiliated himself with Pleasant Hall fire and EMS where he prided himself in his training and experience received while working as an EMT and was an EMS Lieutenant at the time of his retirement.
Thomas worked with his wife Pat helping to run several kiosks for many years in the business of general merchandise. Christine and Colleen started with them in the flea market business, soon becoming paid employees and supervisors as the kiosk business grew but ultimately ending with Pats passing.
As a member of the U.S. Army reserve for seven years he was assigned to the Army Security Agency (ASA), Boston Army Base. Thomas attained the rank of Staff Sergeant (E6). He was extremely patriotic, and supported his pride of the Flag and National Anthem. He often said he wished he re-enlisted and stayed for his 20-30 years.
A Master Mason since 1961, with membership in Golden Fleece Lodge and the Massachusetts Grand Masonic Lodge. A member of the Scottish-Rite and a Shriner since 1984 with membership in Melha Shrine Temple, Springfield, MA. He was also a member of George Washington Masonic Lodge, Chambersburg, PA.
Memorial services will be held at the convenience of the family with final interment in Parklawns Memorial Gardens; 3218 Philadelphia Ave, Chambersburg, PA 17201.
It was Thomas’s wish that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to a memorial donation of their choice; The Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter; 5051 Letterkenny Road, Chambersburg, PA.
Thomas lived and provided service to others based on so much learning, and his dynamic, one of a kind personality. One of his favorite quotes from Albert Einstein, “You cannot correct a problem, using the same or person(s) that created it.” And do not forget two of his expressions, “stay out of trouble”, and “stay safe”, which was the way he ended most every conversation and letter he wrote. He will be remembered by his favorite nick name, “Trouble 1”.
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