Charles E. Dolan, C.S.S.

Waltham – Rev. Charles E. Dolan, C.S.S., of Waltham, died Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at Resurrection Hospital in Chicago. He was 83.

Fr. Dolan was stricken aboard a United Airlines flight while traveling. In spite of the valiant efforts of the crew, Fr. Dolan, a member of the Stigmatine Religious Congregation, passed away suddenly enroute to his annual visit to Thailand.

Charles Dolan was born in Rochester, New Hampshire on October 10, 1927, the son of the late Walter M. and Marion (Sullivan) Dolan. His family moved to the Boston area and he received his education at St. Mary School, East Boston, and Boston English and Arlington High Schools.

After service in the United States Navy during the closing months of World War II, he attended the Boston University Evening School of Commerce and then entered the Stigmatine Seminary, Waltham, in September, 1949. Shortly after his First Profession of vows as a Stigmatine the Order’s entire major seminary was transferred to Rome. There he attended the Angelicum University for studies in philosophy and theology. On May 31, 1958, he was ordained to the priesthood by then Archbishop Luigi Traglia in the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome.

Fr. Dolan returned to the Stigmatine Seminary, Wellesley, along with his classmates to participate in the pastoral year of continuing formation. From there, at his request, he was commissioned to the Stigmatine Mission in Thailand which was in its initial stages, served by priests from Italy and the United States.

From 1959 until 2001 Fr. Dolan served as pastor, treasurer, teacher and assistant pastor in Bangkok, Sampran, Phuket, Trang, Ranong, and served on the Bishop’s Council of the Diocese of Surat Thani. He was named superior of the Vice-Province of Mary, Morning Star, Thailand, in 1987.

Ill health forced his retirement to St. Joseph Hall, Waltham in 2001. His dedication to the Thailand community led him to take on direction of the Stigmatine Mission Office on the grounds of the Espousal Center/ Provincial Center, Lexington Street, Waltham. He continued in this work until 2006.

Although several illnesses limited his capacity for work, Fr. Dolan never wavered in his devotion to Thailand and the Stigmatine presence there. Although retired from fully active ministry, he insisted on his attachment to “our people” there. He continued, and fostered among those parishes in which he conducted Mission Appeals all over the United States, Thai customs; such as the traditional greeting of hands folded in front of the face and bowing toward the person being greeted – as in the Sign of Peace at Mass.

Fr. Dolan is survived by his sister, Marion M. Keeley of Woburn and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brothers, John F. and Walter M. Dolan, and his sisters, Cecelia M. Connolly and Gertrude A. Dolan.

Family and friends will honor and remember Fr. Dolan’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Monday, January 24th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning, January 25th, in Sacred Heart Church, East Main Street, Milford when his Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Burial will follow in the Stigmatine plot of Sacred Heart Cemetery, Route 109, Milford.

Memorial donations may be made to the Stigmatine Fathers and Brothers, 554 Lexington Street, Waltham, MA 02452.