Our Family

Elegy delivered by Rev. Daniel Ramm at Calvary Presbyterian Church, written by his daughter, Virginia Frazier.

Edmund Dolan was a man who loved people and who was most happy when he was doing something for others. He and his wife Emily were married for over 53 years. He often spoke of his love for her and of how he couldn't ever manage without her. His daughters, Virginia and Eileen, knew him to be a strict father who taught them independence, but they knew that if they needed him, he was there to help and advise. They loved him for his fairness and admired his strong sense of morals, and they learned the right and wrong ways by his example. There was never a doubt that Eddie was king in his home! He had the respect of his six grandchildren and he was not only "Grandpa", but their friend. He took great joy in hearing about his two great-grandchildren, Renée and Andrew. Eddie had a wonderful sense of humor who delighted in telling a comical tale or showing a new trick. His home was an open house to children, and thoughout his marriage, hundreds of neighbor youngsters enjoyed his "magic shows" and the outings he supervised for them. His hospitality extended to others who came to visit, and sometimes stayed on for several months and up to three years. Holidays were always celebrated at home and Eddie made a point to extend an invitation to someone outside of the immediate family, who he knew would be alone on this special day. Perhaps one of you remember sharing his table! He was a master mechanic, proud of his trade as a Tilesetter. His tile work in the subway system, Mid-Town Tunnel and other large commercial buildings is still there. He believed that friends should lend each other a helping hand, and he generously donated his skills to the Elk's Club, American Legion and in the homes of his many friends and relatives, just to mention a few. Perhaps one of you called upon him, and his work has left a remembrance of himself in your home! He loved to go fishing, and even from his hospital bed, he and his grandson Eddie were making plans on how they could manage to get him into a boat for an outing. Eddie believed that whatever you choose to do in life, you should give it your very best, and that is how he felt about his membership in the Elk's Club. He was extremely proud to be a life member of the Queensboro Lodge and donate many hours of his time to their Charity Bazaar. Just last week, hardly able to get out of bed, he was arranging for his daughter Eileen to drive him around so that he could deliver his Elk's Bazaar books. He still wanted to do his share - he never gave up! Throughout his 79 years, Edmund Dolan touched many lives. His family, friends and acquaintances will each remember him in their own special way, and there is no doubt that he was loved and highly thought of by his peers. This is a tribute to a man of principles, a true friend whose workd could be counted upon, who never faltered in his duties and whose deeds are his legacy - but always behind him, quietly in the background, there was Emily.