Richard J. “Dick” Donlan, of Plymouth, who worked 44 years as a switchman for New England Telephone, died Oct. 12, surrounded by his family. He was 77.
Born in Dorchester, he graduated from Boston Technical High School and, in his younger years, was a member of the St. Kevin’s Drum and Bugle Corps. He served six years in the U.S. Army Reserve. He retired in 2010 as a central office switchman for New England Telephone. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2322.
Family and friends remember him for his hearty laugh, sense of humor and ability to tell a great story.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rose (Ouellette) Donlan; his children, Brian Donlan and his wife Becky, Matthew Donlan and his wife Alison, Richard Donlan and his partner Abigail, and Erin Caruso and her husband Jared; grandchildren, Stacia Buckman and her husband Justin, Sarah, James, Lauren, Connor, Michael, Keira, Layla, Mason, and Maddison; great-grandchildren, Thomas and Philip; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
He is also survived by his brother John Donlan and his wife Marylou, of Port Charlotte, FL; and his sister Margaret Burns and her husband Charlie, of Plymouth. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret (Mulhern) Donlan, and his brothers Paul, Thomas, Michael, and Peter Donlan.
Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at the Cartmell-Davis Life Celebration Funeral Home, 373 Court St., North Plymouth. A funeral Mass was at 10 a.m. Tuesday Oct. 20, at St. Mary’s Church, 313 Court St., North Plymouth.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anthony Shrine in Boston or the Dana-Farber Jimmy Fund.