In Memoriam: Former Longtime Little Silver Resident, Volunteer, Eleanor Reilly Dolan, of Red Bank, 81

“She was a beautiful woman both inside and out who was best known for her generous heart, sense of style, gift of gab, sense of humor, and volunteer spirit.” ~ Eleanor Dolan’s family

Former longtime Little Silver resident, Eleanor Reilly Dolan, of Red Bank, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 8. surrounded by her beloved daughters after a brief, aggressive battle with cancer. She was 81.

Born in Queens, NY, she grew up there until moving to the Leonardo section of Middletown in seventh grade. She married Roger T. Dolan in 1962 and they moved to Little Silver in 1967, where they started their family and lived for 54 years.

Eleanor Dolan
Photo/family via Thompson Memorial Home

“Eleanor was a most devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and aunt.Never were there more devoted parents and grandparents than Eleanor and Roger. Their three daughters were raised safe in the knowledge that they were well loved and not a day went by that they were not told that by both of their parents. That legacy of love has been passed down by their daughters to their families. Much quality time was spent together with her daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren whether it was celebrating a holiday, birthday, or just catching up for a Sunday funday …

“Spending time with her grandchildren brought endless joy to Eleanor. Whether it was attending a game, a performance, or simply hosting a sleepover she loved her time with her six grandchildren. She especially loved teaching her granddaughters the fine art of shopping for a bargain! …

“Her friendships were numerous and long-lasting. She loved lunching with all her ladies especially the monthly luncheons she organized with her “RBC Chicks”. She was the first to ask what she could do when she heard that someone was in need whether it was organizing a meal or a prayer chain. She was immensely comforted knowing that her prayerful friends, some of whom she spoke with daily and were like sisters to her, were
praying for her in her final weeks.”
Loved ones of Eleanor Reilly Dolan in her obituary

Eleanor graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School and then worked as a legal secretary before becoming a full-time homemaker and then later a caterer.

For more than 60 years, Eleanor devoted herself to volunteering at school, church, or in the community. In that time, she served as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader and PTO President in Little Silver.

She was also a devoted parishioner of St. Joan of Arc Parish in Fort Monmouth for more than 35 years. There, she served as a eucharistic minister, Religious Education teacher, organizer of fundraisers, and cook for for a church events. She was also a volunteer at the Valerie Center at Monmouth Medical Center.

In more recent years, she was devoted to raising money for Alzheimer’s research which was a cause near and dear to her heart. “Eleanor was a devoted caregiver to her husband who battled Alzheimer’s for eight years,” her obituary said. “In partnership with We Care Adult Care she launched an annual bowling fundraiser which was later renamed the Roger T. Dolan Score a Strike for Alzheimer’s event in honor of her beloved husband. Between 2014 to 2022 her efforts helped raise over $150,000 for Alzheimer’s research.”

She was predeceased by: her parents, Thomas & Grace Reilly; her beloved husband of 57 years, Roger; and two sisters, Ann and Margaret.

She is survived by: her daughters and sons-in-law, Regina and Joseph Donohue, of Middletown, Laura and Stephen Taddeo, of Middletown, and Maria and David Graminski, of Shrewsbury; her grandchildren, Grace and Ellie Donohue, Christopher and Alex Taddeo, and Ethan and Gavin Graminski; and dozens of nieces and nephews, but especially Grace Ann and Winfield Vanderzee, Leonardo, and Jacqueline and Kevin Devaney, Little Silver, all of whom she loved like her own children.

Visitation will be held on Monday, Feb. 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A mass of christian burial will celebrate her life on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Roman Catholic Church, Red Bank. Interment of her ashes will be held at a later date at the Brig. Gen. Wm. C. Doyle Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown, NJ.

To honor Eleanor’s volunteer spirit and Christian stewardship the family requests that in lieu of flowers a donation to: a scholarship being established at Red Bank Catholic High School in her memory online (enter Eleanor Reilly Dolan Memorial Scholarship in the comments), or by mail to Red Bank Catholic, Advancement Office, 112 Broad St., Red Bank, NJ 07701; or, to Alzheimer’s New Jersey, 425 Eagle Rock Avenue, Suite 203, Roseland, NJ 07068 or alznj.org.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home