Lawrence Park Dolan of Kennebunk, 94, hero to his country, superhero to his family; succumbed to a brief illness and complications due to surgery on March 25th surrounded by his family, who cherished him. He was born on April 15th, 1923 to Minnie Mae and Walter J. Dolan, Sr.
Larry was an affable, no-nonsense guy, as quick with sensitive consolation as with a firm, “Cut the baloney!" His family will fondly remember his early morning wakeup chant, “Chop, Chop, up and at ‘em!”, and his favorite exclamation of consternation, “Egads!”
With the exception of his service in World War II, Larry spent his life in Maine: He was born in Orono, graduated Milo High School in June, 1941, Higgins Classical Institute in 1942 and the University of Maine, where he earned a Masters in Psychology, in 1949.
In November of 1942, he put his education on hold to enlist in the Army Air Force. He reasoned, “I didn’t want to walk to war, and I couldn’t swim that well, so the Army and Navy were out.” He was called to active duty in February 1943, and ultimately assigned to the 457th Fighter Squadron, 506th Fighter Group, 7th Fighter Command. While stationed on Tinian and Iwo Jima, Larry flew Combat Air Patrol missions in his P-51D Mustang, protecting B-29s on their bombing missions.
For his outstanding service, he was awarded the Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, The Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Distinguished Unit Citation. He ultimately achieved the rank of Major while being activated stateside during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in 1965.
After retiring from the Air Force in Bangor, Larry and Margaret moved their family to Kennebunk. Larry worked at W. H. Shurtleff Company in Portland as Office Manager for 24 years. He retired in 1989.
In the 1970s, Larry and his wife purchased a cabin on Schoodic Lake that would become a precious destination for countless family getaways, fortifying thousands of happy memories for his family. Larry and Margaret spent the summers of their retirement in their peaceful cabin on Schoodic Lake; listening to loons, feeding a friendly pack of raccoons and teaching their grandchildren how to fish and waterski.
Larry is survived by: his daughters, Sally Dolan-Goulet and husband Roland of Kennebunk, and Sandra Johnson and husband of Topsham; his grandchildren Mindy Dolan, Ryan Lawrence Dolan, Stephanie Schafer and husband Joe, Jerry Witham, Eric Johnson and wife Lynn, and Matthew Johnson and wife Dayna; great-grandchildren Emerson, Tyler, Ethan, Sydney and Emily; and brother Charles Dolan. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers Walter Jr., Francis, and James Dolan; and beloved wife of 52 years, Margaret.
At Larry’s request, no services will be held. The family will hold a private memorial service this summer, as he is laid to rest beside his true love, Margaret.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org, or PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.