Dolan, James R.

Jesuit Father James R. Dolan died on Dec. 1, 2012, at Murray-Weigel Hall in the Bronx, N.Y. He was born in Philadelphia. Pa., on Oct. 15, 1937, the son of James and Mildred (Devine) Dolan. He was a Jesuit for 52 years and a priest for 42 years.

Fr. Dolan attended Chaminade High School on Long Island and earned his college degree at Georgetown University in 1960. He entered the Society of Jesus at Bellarmine College, Plattsburg, N.Y. on Aug. 14, 1960.

He studied philosophy at Loyola Seminary, Shrub Oak, N.Y., gaining the Licentiate in Philosophy in 1964. Going south for his regency, he taught math, English and religion at Colegio San Ignacio, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico from 1964-67.

From 1967-71, he studied theology at Woodstock College in Maryland, and then in New York City, earning a Master of Divinity degree in 1971. He was ordained to the priesthood at Fordham University Church on June 11, 1970.

From 1971-72, he studied pastoral counseling at the Menninger Foundation in Topeka, Kan. From 1974 to 1990, he shared the treasures of the Spiritual Exercises at Christ the King Retreat House, Syracuse, N.Y., serving also as superior and director from 1976-85. He extended his horizons and entered the world of Fr. Anthony de Mello with a year at the de Mello Spirituality Program at Lonavia, India (1985-86). A personal friend of Father de Mello, Fr. Dolan introduced him to thousands in the United States through retreats and workshops offered at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, N.Y.

Beginning in 1990, Fr. Dolan resided at McQuaid Jesuit High in Rochester, N.Y. This was his base for countless journeys throughout the United States, Ireland and beyond where he shared his insights into the spiritual life. He published a book of short reflections, entitled Communion Meditations, in 2000 as well as several audio albums. In 2007, he was assigned to pastoral ministry on Long Island, residing at the Jesuit residence in Westbury and assisting at Saint Ignatius Retreat House in Manhasset, Long Island. An optimist in the lecture hall, pulpit, and on the golf course, Fr. Dolan assisted many in gaining insight into the boundless, joy-inspiring love of God.

He is survived by his sister, Patricia Nolan of Massapequa Park, and his brother, John F. Dolan of Silver Spring, Md. One of his nephews is Patrick Nolan, SJ, a Jesuit scholastic in collegiate studies at Loyola University, Chicago. One of his cousins is Fr. Donald Devine, SJ.