John F. Dolaghan

John F. Dolaghan III a lifelong resident of Harrison, passed away on August 26, 2024 at the Lyons Veterans Hospital in Lyons NJ. John was 76 years old. 

Private funeral Services were under the direction of Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave, Harrison, NJ 07029.   

All are invited to attend his funeral mass which will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church, 16 Church Square Harrison, NJ 07029 on Friday, August 30th at 10:30am.   His final disposition will be held privately.

John was the eldest son of the late John F. Dolaghan II and Gladys Dolaghan (Pringle). John is survived by his loving and dedicated wife Michelle, her daughters, Jennifer and Michelle, as well as her grandchildren, Michael John, Julia, Kennedy, Aiden and Jayden. John is also survived by his six siblings, Michael, James, Brian, Thomas, Marylynn and Mark, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

John was a graduate of Holy Cross Grammar School, and a 1966 graduate of Harrison High School. Shortly after his high school graduation John was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Vietnam war in 1967 and 1968. John was a soldier in the 25th Infantry Division. The 25th Infantry, nicknamed "Tropic Lightning", was one of the first units to serve in Vietnam and one of the last to leave the country. 

In November of 1967, John and his entire unit were awarded the Army Commendation Medal for heroism for their actions in the Iron Triangle. During these same actions John was wounded in combat against the enemy and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Due to the severity of his injuries, John was not discharged from the Army until he was "medically retired" (Honorable) in 1972. 

Upon leaving the Army John became a member of the Steamfitters and Pipefitters, local union #475 out of Newark, NJ. John became a "master" welder, his welding skills were so renowned that he was asked to serve as an instructor at the Union's welding training center in Orange NJ. From 1979-1982 John passed on his knowledge to many an appreciative Local Apprentice. John retired from Local 475 in 2008 after 35 years of service. 

After leaving the Steamfitters Union, John was employed by the United States Postal Service at their Kearny, NJ facility where he worked for another 10 years, before retiring in 2018. 

John was an avid reader, who also loved music, especially early rock and roll from the 1950's and 60's. John was especially fond of that music known as Doo Wop or group harmony. He was a frustrated singer and loved to spontaneously break out in song, a habit that endeared himself to family and friends. John also loved the sport of Boxing and had a vast knowledge of the sport and it's history. John could name the champions in every weight class going as far back as the 1920's. John saw his share of many famous fights, including championship fights, usually at Madison Square Garden. 

John could be gruff, he could be bombastic and temperamental, sarcasm was an art to him. However, those who loved him most knew that he had a great big heart that was pure and loving and genuine. Rest in peace John, you deserve it. 

Fond memories of John and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mulliganfh.com.

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