The Diocese of Phoenix mourns the passing of Gerald “Jerry” Francis Dolan, father of Bishop John Dolan. We offer our prayers and deepest condolences to Bishop Dolan and his entire family. Jerry entered into eternal life peacefully on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the age of 96 in Menifee, Calif.

Born December 2, 1929, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the youngest child of John Patrick Dolan and Ella Alberta Dolan, Jerry outlived all eight of his siblings. On June 12, 1950, Jerry married Catherine Irma Dolan at Saint Patrick’s Parish in Cedar Rapids, sharing over 76 years of Holy Matrimony.

After serving in the U.S. Navy, he spent his career in the electrical field and went on to work for General Atomics in Torrey Pines, Calif., where he served as a plant manager for much of his career. In retirement, he generously offered his knowledge and skills to help churches with their electrical needs. After living for a number of years in a senior residential community in San Diego, Jerry and Catherine recently moved to a senior community in Menifee to be close to their daughter, Christine.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Catherine; his children, Cecilia, Steven, Matthew, Bishop John, and Christine; his grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his children, Therese, Sean, Thomas, and Mary.

Throughout his life, Jerry was faithful to God, devoted to his wife, and dedicated to his family. He will be remembered with gratitude and love for the life he shared with them and for the quiet and generous ways he served others.

The family will celebrate his funeral privately, and he will be laid to rest at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Gerald “Jerry” Francis Dolan

December 2, 1929 – August 9, 2026