John P. Dolen

CHERRY VALLEY: John P. Dolen, 72, of Cherry Valley, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025, after battling dementia for nearly a decade.

John valued family and was blessed to create a loving and close-knit family with his wife, Kathleen (Dolengiewicz) Dolen of 51 years. A charismatic people person, he was a favorite at family gatherings, where he would share his stories as a proud lifelong resident of Cherry Valley, son of the late John and Roberta (Power) Dolen. He seemed to know everyone in town.

John graduated from the Worcester Boys Trade School in 1971 and went on to become a master plumber and owner of the John P. Dolen Plumbing & Heating Co. He then went on to teach plumbing at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School and also taught continuing education courses for plumbers and gas fitters. He was also the Town of Leicester's Plumbing Inspector for over 40 years. He brought a passion to his teaching and thoroughly enjoyed his work as a plumber and plumbing inspector.

As a professional, John was known as a meticulous perfectionist and for his impeccable work ethic, which he instilled in his children, working until he couldn't any longer. He missed his work terribly and asked about it often. He was also generous with his time and talent, always quick to help friends, family, and fellow plumbers when in need.

He was the former President of Central Massachusetts Plumbing Gas Inspectors Association. He was also a former call firefighter on the Leicester Fire Dept. Among his many pastimes, he loved playing poker with Bob's Friday Night Poker Group–often winning despite his dementia–and going to Foxwoods. Everyone who knew John appreciated how smart he was; many nights over the years were spent with his family watching Jeopardy and demonstrating his trivia knowledge. Above all, John loved and adored his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Kathleen (Dolengiewicz) Dolen; 2 sons, Timothy J. Dolen and his wife, Kelly of Paxton, and Joseph T. Dolen and his wife, Elin of Leicester; 2 sisters, Patricia Dolen Bisson of S.Carolina, and Kelly Dolen of Worcester; and 4 grandchildren, whom he loved with all his heart, Lena, Luke, Alice and Eli; his mother-in-law, Lena Dolengiewicz of Cherry Valley; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Regina Daige.

His Funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 22nd in the MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main St., Leicester; with burial to follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21st in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901.