John B. Dolan, III, a lifelong Worcester resident passed away peacefully Thursday morning, June 3, 2021 after a courageous battle against cancer.

John is survived by his forever best friend, love of his life, and wife of 43 plus years, Karan A. (Freeman) Dolan; six children, John B. Dolan IV and his wife Dayna Brown-Dolan of Paxton; Anthony W. Dolan and his wife Jessica Dolan of Sunapee, NH; Kate L. Scott and her husband Matthew Scott of Honolulu, HI; Megan M. Fenneuff and her husband Jedidiah Fenneuff of Milford; and Mark P. Dolan and his wife Lindsey Dolan of Alpharetta, GA. He was predeceased by an infant daughter Samantha M. Dolan.

He will be remembered by his 13 adored grandchildren, his lucky charms: Storm and Makenna Dolan; Anthony Dolan Jr., Ella Dolan, Madison, James and Cole Giberson; Addison, Grace and Owen Scott; Samantha and Bridget Fenneuff; and Declan Dolan.

John was born in Worcester, the oldest of seven children of the late John B. Dolan Jr. and Patricia M. (Doyle) Dolan. He leaves a sister, Jane Raabis and her husband Edward of Worcester; and five brothers, William Dolan and his wife Joan of Holden; Peter Dolan and his wife RoseMarie of Worcester; Robert Dolan and his wife Pamela of Spencer; Joseph Dolan and his wife Andrea of Sterling; and Paul Dolan and his wife Carol of Paxton.

He also leaves his beloved mother-in-law, Ida L. (Ferris) Freeman; three sisters-in-law, Kathy Valk and her husband Steve of Redding, PA; Susan Tessier and her husband David of Worcester; and Nancy Olson and her husband Mark of Shrewsbury; eight Freeman brothers-in-law, Mark and his wife Karin of Rutland; Michael and his wife Tina; John and his wife Nancy; David; James and his wife Cheryl; Daniel and his wife Amy; Dennis and his wife Renee, all of Worcester; and Stephen and his wife Noelle of Shrewsbury; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and a large group of close knit cousins.

An associate member of the Worcester County Bar Association, John was a 1972 graduate of Doherty Memorial High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting from Bentley College. After 25 years, he recently retired from the Worcester County Probate and Family Court, where he devoted his career to helping others. He was honored to be the recipient of The Liberty Bell Award from the Worcester County Bar Association and the Distinguished Layperson Award from the St. Thomas More Society.

John was an active member in his community and within Christ the King Church. He cherished his 12 plus years as Boy Scout Troop #37 Leader and enjoyed socializing as a member of the Tatnuck Social Club of Cooks Pond. He was a dedicated public servant, loyal friend and colleague, and proud family man. If not with his family, you would find John on the tennis court or walking his trusted canine companion, Maddie. His kind heart and humor will be missed by many.

The family would like to thank John’s care team at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Spaulding LTC.

Family and friends are invited to visit the Dolan Family between 4:00 and 7:00 P.M. on Sunday, June 6, at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St, Worcester.

John’s life will be celebrated Monday, June 7, with a funeral Mass at 10 A.M. at Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester Memorial Park in Paxton.

Memorial donations may be made in John’s memory to Dana-Farber Neuro-Oncology or the Worcester County Food Bank.