In Memoriam: Longtime Rumsonite, RFH ’65 Grad, Rich Dooley

“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we said goodbye to Richard Edward Dooley on March 12, surrounded by his loving family.”

Rich was born in Hoboken on March 30, 1947 to James Dooley (Jim) and Virginia Claire Carroll (Ginnie). The Dooley family moved to Rumson in 1955 where Rich grew up as the second of five boys. He attended Holy Cross School and graduated from Rumson-Fair Haven High School (RFH) in 1965. He was a talented athlete who attended Seton Hall University on a basketball scholarship.

After graduating from Seton Hall, Rich married Linda Meloskie and moved back to Monmouth County where he was a high school teacher for a few years.

“Rich moved back to Rumson in 1980 and started what would be a very successful career as a stockbroker and financial advisor. He was fortunate to raise his family in the same Lafayette Street house that he grew up in. Rich spent many days and hours with his sons on the basketball court at Rogers Park. Rich loved life and being surrounded by friends and family.

“He was an avid golfer and loved to talk about his two holes in one. Besides golf, he loved the Yankees but was most passionate about Seton Hall basketball. He loved taking his grandchildren to see the Pirates play. He also loved going to his grandkids sporting events and always encouraged them to be their best. Besides bleeding Pirate blue, he took pride in being a part of a big Irish Catholic family and loved being called one of the big, tall Dooley boys. Many a laugh were had when the Dooley and Carroll clan would come together.

“He loved his summers and the beach, having spent many days lounging in the sun at The Peninsula House, and then Ship Ahoy.


Rich’s family would like to thank all his family, friends and co-workers who were part of his journey in life and for your love and support. Please remember Rich in your prayers.

Loved ones of Rich Dooley in his obituary

Rich is survived by: his son, Kevin and wife Emily, and their children, Anna, Charlotte, Gabrielle and Michael; and his son Rich and wife Allison, and their children, Joseph, James, Jacob, Mary, Joshua and Joel.

A Catholic mass will be celebrated by Fr. Michael Manning at Holy Cross Church in Rumson at 10:30 a.m. on March 19. In lieu of flowers, please remember Richard with a memorial donation to Holy Cross Academy (https://hcarumson.org) , or the Tunnel to Towers foundation (https://t2t.org/).

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home