Brian F. Dolan, veteran, retired lawyer
Brian F. Dolan passed away Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born Sept. 24, 1958, in Wilmington, to Matilda (Maytene) and William J. Dolan Jr. He graduated from Alexis I. duPont High School and attended University of Delaware, where he graduated in 1980. While attending UD, Brian met and married Carol (Pahnke) Huller. Upon graduation, he attended Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I., where he was commissioned as an ensign in the Naval Reserve.
His first duty station was the USS Ainsworth (FF-1090), where he qualified SWO, CDO, OOD, and EOOW. He served as a member of the multinational peacekeeping force in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1983. He subsequently was assigned to the USS Iowa (BB-61), departing from active duty for graduate and law school studies. Upon graduation from Dickinson School of Law, he gained admission to the Delaware Bar, where he practiced law for over 30 years, first with the law firm of Griffin and Hackett and then as a partner with the firm of Stumpf, Vickers & Sandy.
In 2000, he graduated from the Naval War College, College of Command and Staff. In 2001, he retired from the Naval Reserves with the rank of commander after 20 years of service. In 2004, he ran unsuccessfully for representative to the 36th District of the Delaware General Assembly. Brian served on various boards, charities, and community organizations throughout his career, including the Milton Community Food Pantry.
Brian was predeceased by his wife, Emma Kootwijk Dolan from Amsterdam. He is survived by his wife, Lesslee (Weiss) Dolan; daughter, Melissa Lynn Dolan of Greenwich, Conn.; along with stepdaughters, Stephanie Belmore of Milford, and Alisha Ellison of Chelsea, Mich.
Services and internment are private, and have been coordinated with Short’s Funeral Services, Milton.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the USO or the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences are welcome for the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.
