Obituary of Michael Edwin Dolan

Mr. Michael Edwin Dolan, 65, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 7, 2009 at his home in Middletown after a two-year battle with lung and brain cancer. He was exposed to Agent Orange while serving his country as a Marine Corporal in Viet Nam between 1963 and 1966. The son of the late Edwin Dolan and Catherine Tighe Dolan, he was born April 6, 1944 in Hackensack, NJ. He attended Dumont High School until he quit at 17 to join the Marines. He was greatly influenced by his Uncle Billy Wylander, also a Marine; and the movie "A Walk in the Sun". When he was honorably discharged, he began to work for the Park Ridge, NJ Post Office and retired from there after 42 years of loyal service. When he was in high school, he and his friends would cruise around and assist stranded drivers and leave a calling card that read, "You have been assisted by The CREW." Mike was always creative, energetic, humorous, hard working and always available to help his many friends and family. After being diagnosed with lung and brain cancer, he decided to finally get his GED. After he graduated he decided to further his education by attending OCCC and studying to be a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor. He completed his education just prior to his death. Our many friends have been so kind and generous with their time and compassion. We couldn't have gotten through it without them. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Newkirk Dolan, at home; his children: Caitlin Rose Dolan of Middletown, Christine Flowers & her husband, Dave of Los Angeles, CA, and Michael Dolan & his wife, Shanna of Atlanta, GA; his grandchildren: Jacob, Kelci and Jade; his sisters: Theresa, Eileen, and Susan, their husbands and family. Also surviving is his former wife (and mother of Christine and Michael), Charlotte Kiersten; his sister-in-law, Toni Haley & her husband, Jack, and his father-in-law, Chauncey Newkirk. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 10, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home, 111 Sullivan St. in Wurtsboro. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 11, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Sullivan St. in Wurtsboro, with Fr. Peter Madori officiating. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Wurtsboro. For additional information, please call 845-794-4141 or visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com.