John "Jack Dolan Jr

John Michael Dolan Jr., 66, beloved husband of Denise (Watne) Dolan passed away suddenly on Monday, May 26, 2014. Born in Derby on January 29, 1948, he grew up in Southbury on Lake Zoar where he gained his love of the water. He waterskied, fished and loved boating. After graduating in 1966 from Pomperaug Regional High School he joined the Navy. While enlisted, John served in Vietnam and was on the aircraft carriers USS Independence and then the USS Shangri-La. After his service he went to East Coast Aero Tech in Massachusetts and became employed at Pratt & Whitney as a jet engine tester for 36 years before retiring in 2009. Although his name was John, most people knew him as Jack. He remained lifelong friends with people he met in the navy and at school. Jack was a man of many talents. He learned welding from his father, had a green thumb, enjoyed puzzles and was an avid reader. What's more, he could fix just about anything. Besides his wife of 37 years, he leaves his three children, Tim Dolan of North Stonington, Holly Ishiwari, her husband Keita and daughter Mina of the Bronx, NY, who he fell in love with immediately and Ryan Dolan of Willimantic, also his two sisters, Marilyn Dolan of Salem, CT and Patty Del Rosso of New Milford, CT. His family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, May 31, 2014 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Willimantic, with funeral services beginning at 11:00 AM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or any charitable military organization. Please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com for online memorial guest book.