Monsignor Neal Dolan

OBITUARY

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Monsignor Neal Dolan, a beloved shepherd, mentor, and friend to so many in our St. Michael’s family.

Born May 21, 1938 to Mark and Genevieve in Minnesota to a proud Irish family, Msgr. Dolan came to San Diego to answer God’s call to the priesthood. Following his ordination in 1964, he faithfully served the Diocese of San Diego in many roles, including associate pastor, vocational director at University of San Diego, founding pastor of Ascension Parish in Tierrasanta, and pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Lakeside.

In July 2001, Msgr. Dolan became the third pastor of St. Michael’s Parish, where his greatest gift was bringing people together in faith and friendship. He believed the Church was more than a building – it was a family. He encouraged parishioners to grow closer to Christ by growing closer to one another through Small Church Communities, revitalized the Men’s Ministry, established a Women’s Ministry, and had a special love for children, teens, and young adults. He introduced a Sunday evening Mass for youth, formed the children’s choir for the 10:45am Mass, and invested in a Young Adult Minister to help young adults find their place in the Church.

Msgr. Dolan also left a lasting physical legacy through the completion of the school’s south campus and the construction of the Neal Dolan Holy Family Center. Yet those who knew him would say his greatest legacy is found not in buildings, but in the countless lives he touched with his kindness, gentle humor, compassionate heart, and unwavering faith.

For many of us, Monsignor was more than our pastor. He celebrated our joys, walked with us through our sorrows, encouraged us in our faith, and reminded us that each person belonged in God’s family.

He is survived by one brother, Mike Dolan of Reno Nevada, and 23 nieces and nephews. He now joins his mother, father, and six siblings: Bob, Nora, Darlene, Pat, Cathy, and Tom, in Heaven.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.