Obituary

On Thursday, December 17^th, 2020, Frank J. “Bud” Dolan, of Lake Forest, CA– formerly of Stamford, CT– passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 89.  A loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather and friend all who loved him would describe him as a, “truly good man.”

Bud was born on April 30^th, 1931 in Stamford, CT to Thomas and Susan Dolan.  He is a graduate of Stamford High School, an Army Veteran and a career Plumber Steamfitter for more than 30 years. On April 18^th, 1953, Bud married the love of his life Maribeth.  Together, they raised six boys in a full, loving, very active and, on occasion, chaotic home in Stamford, CT.  After their sons had grown, Bud and Maribeth moved to Lake Forest, CA in 1991 to enjoy their “second act” in retirement.

Direct, determined and hardworking (a necessity when being a father to six sons) Bud always ensured that his family was happy and well taken care of.  He instilled in all his sons a great sense of humor and the ability to laugh at oneself.  He enjoyed nothing more than hearing his family laugh together, often to poke fun at one another, and even Bud would jump in for the occasional jab or to defend someone when a joke was taken too far.  Spending time with family, those by blood and those he chose — his sons, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, neighbors and friends — was truly when Bud was the happiest.

In his retirement, Bud seldom rested. Whether it be dining at a new restaurant, his never-ending quest to find the best Brandy or Cognac, continuing his love for learning everything he could about American history,  restoring Schmidt-Rubin rifles Bud spent his time doing what he loved.  Bud also restarted his passion of trout fishing with a fly rod.   Fly fishing became  particularly important to him, over the last 20 years, as he was able to share it with his sons and friends – both old and new – at his “little slice of heaven” in Spruce Creek, PA.

All those who knew Bud, are better for it. He will be greatly missed.

Bud is reuniting with his beloved wife, Maribeth (Steigerwald) Dolan; his parents Thomas and Susan (Boyle) Dolan; his brother Thomas “Tommy” Dolan and  Tommy’s wife Catherine (Fuda); his brother Ralph Dolan; and his daughter-in-law Colleen (Jones) Dolan.  He is survived by his sons Timothy (Brendetta Baines) Dolan of Stamford, CT; Dennis Dolan of Fairfield, CT; Michael Dolan of Lake Forest, CA; Patrick (Debbie Taylor) Dolan of Laguna Hills, CA; Brian (Jennifer) Dolan of Casper, WY and Bud (Beth Jarrett) Dolan of Vernon Hills, IL; six nieces and nephews; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Project Healing Waters  – https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/healingthosewhoserve