Hugh E Dolan

Hugh E. Dolan, 89, of Worcester, died on Tuesday, September 29, 2009, at home. Hugh's wife of 59 years, Christine (Heppenstall) Dolan, died in 2005. He is survived by his four children, William F. Dolan and his wife, Sue-Anne, Joseph D. Dolan and his wife, Karen, all of Worcester, Kathleen D. Martin and her husband, Henry, of Newington, CT., and Maureen M. Dolan with whom he lived. Hugh was born in Worcester, on February 24, 1920, the oldest of seven children of Hugh A. Dolan and Ida Marie (Packard) Dolan, and lived here all his life. He is also survived by his brother, Paul Dolan and his wife, Barbara, of Oregon, his two sisters, Rita Fitzgerald of Missouri, and Geraldine Wentzell of Worcester, and his sister-in-law, Florence Benson, of Worcester. Hugh was predeceased by his brothers, William and James Dolan, his sister, Patricia Burdick, and his cousin, Frederick Rosseel, a "brother" to Hugh and his siblings. Hugh was blessed with eight grandchildren and three step-grandchildren: Sean Martin of New Jersey, Shane Martin (and Joanne) of Florida, Colin Martin (and Kelly) of CT., Caitlin Martin of Washington, D.C., Erin Dolan of Dorchester, Brian Dolan (and Meghan) of Shrewsbury, Mary Dolan of Los Angeles, Patrick Dolan, Erin Blundell (and Joseph Keddy,) John Blundell (and Jamie), all of Worcester, and Carole-Anne Mullaly (and Brian) of Millville; two great-grandchildren, seven step-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves a devoted caregiver, Carol Fleming, of Worcester. After graduating from The High School of Commerce in 1939, Hugh served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Wyoming, and later served in the U.S. Navy. He worked more than 40 years for The Vellumoid Company in Worcester, where he served as President of Local 5683 of the United Steelworkers of America (AFL-CIO) for many years. After retiring from The Vellumoid Company in 1985, Hugh remained active in his post-retirement years, working for his nephew's painting contracting business and then manning the snack bar for several years at The Worcester Country Club. Nicknamed "Pro" in high school, Hugh was an avid golfer until losing his eyesight to macular degeneration. In 1952, he joined the "Wheaties Hole-In-One Club" by sinking a tee shot for an ace on the ninth hole at the former Lincoln Country Club. Hugh was a life-long communicant of Our Lady of the Rosary Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for many years as well. The funeral will be held Friday, October 2nd, from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, with a Mass at 10:30 a.m., in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 35 Fales St. in Worcester. Burial will follow next to his wife in St. John's Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Thursday, October 1st, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the funeral home.