Patrick James Dolan

Patrick—known to many as PD, Pat, Dad, Poppi, Patricio, and numerous other nicknames—was the kind of person who made life feel like an adventure. He brought laughter, loyalty, and a mischievous spark to every room he entered and to every life he touched.

First and foremost, he was a deeply devoted and playful husband to his wife of 37 years, Kathy, whom he lovingly referred to as Saw, Cita, or Lips. Although they knew each other from an early age growing up in Paradise Hills, California, it wasn’t until a fateful camping trip in 1986, when they went “looking for bugs”, that their love story truly began. Together, they formed a partnership characterized by unconditional love, joy, mutual respect, and resilience, to raise their two children, Mishaela and Timothy. Life wasn’t always easy, but they built a home filled with love, laughter, and humor, facing their challenges head on and supporting one another. Even on their hardest days, they never wanted to be anywhere else than with each other.

As Mishaela and Timothy had children of their own, it was clear that Patrick never lost touch with his inner child, which is exactly what made him the best Poppi. Whether it was making up silly nicknames, sneaking them extra popsicles, letting them stay up too late, or conspiring in harmless mischief, he made sure his grandkids knew they were seen, cherished, and deeply loved. To them, he wasn't just a grandpa. He was a partner in crime, with a twinkle in his eye, always ready to make the kind of memories that last forever.

Patrick was also a diehard fan of the Padres and Chargers, often found on the couch yelling at referees, questioning coaching decisions, and calling players "clowns" when things went sideways. And if the TV wasn't tuned to a game, it was probably playing Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, NCIS, or Blue Bloods, shows he watched with the same intensity as a playoff game.

Finally, for over 35 years, Patrick proudly served his community as a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service. The service he provided was more than a job for him as he worked on the same route in the Barrio Logan throughout his whole career, forming connections with everyone he served. He considered his "peeps in the Barrio" his extended family, delivering mail, warmth, jokes, kindness, and smiles. Rain or shine, he showed up for his customers, and he was an integral part of the community, spending his days off at barbecues, family parties, and other events. That's who he was, and he loved it.

For those who knew and loved him, Patrick showed up with heart, humor, and humility. Whether he was playing softball, changing the oil on Kathy’s car, delivering mail, or helping family put up a new fence, he took great pride in everything he did. He taught those around him how to love fiercely, laugh loudly, and savor every moment in life.

He is survived by his wife Kathy Wiggins Dolan; daughter Mishaela Kirkpatrick (Glen); son Timothy Dolan (Tihani); grandchildren Johnathon Graves, Anna-Renee Parker, Violet-Christine Parker, Charlotte Dolan, Asher Dolan, and Jameson Dolan; sister Laurie Merwin (Stuart); sister Mary Wiggins (Richard); aunt Gloria Grimm (Floyd); brother-in-law Mark Wiggins (Julia); sister-in-law Cindy Duran (Joe); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, each of whom carries a piece of his incredible spirit. He is preceded in death by his mother Patricia Carter; father Thomas Dolan; stepfather Wayne Carter; and granddaughter Leia Kawailani Parker.

In lieu of donations, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Boys and Girls Club in Barrion Logan in Patrick's name.