Dr. Robert G. Dolan 87 of Yarmouth Port died Saturday March 9, 2019 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

He was the loving husband of Elizabeth “Betty” (Norton) Dolan. They had been married for 60 years.

Born in Boston, Dr. Dolan was the son of the late John and Mildred (McCarthy). He was a graduate of The College of the Holy Cross, where he was the captain of the men’s hockey team and the University of Vermont College of Medicine.

After his internship, Dr. Dolan was stationed in Norfolk, VA on the USS Randolph as a flight surgeon. Following his military service and his residency in Family Practice at Bridgeport Hospital, his medical practice took him to Huntington, CT for ten years, becoming one of the original diplomats of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

His love of the sea stemmed from years as a lifeguard on the beaches of Ogunquit, ME, where he met his wife Betty. It then brought him to Cape Cod and a life of sailing Nantucket Sound, digging steamers off Monomoy, and a successful family practice of 25 years in Harwich. During this time, Dr. Dolan was on the medical staff of Cape Cod Hospital, becoming chairman of the Family Practice Department for a time. He was also a member of the Harwich School Committee, Cape Cod Power Squadron, Coast Guard Auxiliary, and a communicant at Our Lady of the Cape Church in Brewster.

In addition to his devoted wife, Dr. Dolan is survived by his beloved children, Ann Dolan-Niles and her husband, Paul of Brewster, Kari Dolan and her husband, Chach Curtis of Waitsfield, VT, Debbie Dolan of Lewisburg, PA, and Josh Dolan of Ocean City, MD; eight grandchildren, Jackson and Maddy Niles, Hannah and Will Brock, Lainey and Ellie Curtis, and Jenna and Chase Dolan; and many extended family members. In addition to his parents, Dr. Dolan was predeceased by his brothers, John Jr., and Richard Dolan; his brother in-law, Mel MacKay; Karen MacKay, and his beloved friend, Rev. Ralph Merrill. 

The Dolan family extends their special thanks and appreciation to the members and staff of Harbor Point at Centerville, where their care for Bob was immeasurable.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday March 14 in Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Rd., Brewster.

Interment will follow at 1:45 p.m. in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.

Visiting hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday March 13 in the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the the Heathcare Foundation for Cape Cod Hospital, P.O. Box 370, Hyannis, MA 02601, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or to the Benchmark Associates Employee Fund, c/o Harbor Point, 22 Richardson Rd., Centerville, MA 02632.

Mrs Dolan and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Dr Dolan was one of the most caring physical Ian’s ever. I was extremely grateful to have him as my doctor. Mrs Dolan I am praying for you and your family. God bless you all Warm regards, Mary Jo

Dear Betty, I was so saddened to learn of Bob's passing and my heart goes out to you and your family. Bob attended to both of my parent's medical needs, as well as my own family's and he is among the finest physicians I have ever met. He could not have been warmer or more supportive when we needed him and the pair of you in the office were just a great team. Your love and his love of sailing and of course your "Iolanthe"/ my "Independence" gave us all lots of good times. Certainly, the time that you both shared on the water were precious and wonderful to see. Those Wednesday night races were the best, even if I was always looking at your stern pulling quickly away from me. I am so very sorry for your loss and you all are in my prayers.

So saddened to hear that Dr. Dolan had passed away. He and his kind wife Betty took such wonderful care of my family. Bartell Family

I knew Dr. Dolan professionally, coming in contact with him at nursing homes over the years! He was always kind and patient! He was caring towards his patients and treated the nursing staff with dignity and respect! After he retired many time I heard fellow nurses say how they missed him. “ They just don’t make doctors like Dr. Dolan any more” Bless you Dr.Dolan!

So very sorry to you Ann and your entire family .Thoughts are with you all.

Dear Betty and family, It is with great sadness that we learned about Dr. Dolan's recent death. Working for him, as one of his part-time offices nurses, was the most rewarding of my nursing career. His caring, personal warmth, and truly listening to his patients, regardless of the clock was his gift. He was an educator, and was always teaching. His love of medicine was secondary, to his love of his family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May all the good memories sustain you, in the days ahead. God bless, Ron and Barbara Nordstrom.

Dear Betty, family and friends, I offer my sincere condolences. I apologise for my absence and hope everyone is surrounded by loved ones.