It is with profound sadness that the family of Peter Michael Dolan, Jr. of Manassas, VA share the news of his passing on January 5, 2021 at the age of 52.
Pete was raised in Williamstown, MA where he attended the Pine Cobble School. He graduated from the Williston Northampton School in 1986 and from Hamilton College in 1990, where he met his wife Karen. After college, Pete worked as a zoning administrator and land use planner before attending law school. He graduated from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, cum laude, where he was Lead Articles Editor for the Law Review. Following his law school graduation in 1996, Pete worked as an attorney in Denver before moving to Virginia. For the last 19 years Pete’s legal career was with Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh, P.C. in their Prince William County location where he served most recently as Managing Shareholder. In his leadership of the Land Use & Zoning Practice group, Pete’s legacy of work had a significant impact on Prince William County. He genuinely loved his job and had the highest regard for his “work family” of trusted colleagues, mentors and friends. He also believed in personally giving his time to the broader community in which he lived and worked. He served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, as Chairman of Board of Directors for the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce, as a member of the Board of Directors of the Prince William County Boys & Girls Club, and as a member of the Prince William DCSM/Zoning Ordinance Advisory Committee. Pete dedicated his time to numerous service and charitable organizations, served as a guest lecturer for George Mason University graduate programs and as a moderator for industry events.
Pete was first and foremost devoted to his family. His wife, Karen, of 26 years and their two daughters, Katherine and Erin, were the loves of his life. They enjoyed a wonderful family life including travel and time spent at Deep Creek Lake where Pete loved to be at the helm of his boat. Pete also enjoyed reading, skiing, golf, family games and most outdoor activities. He was passionate about music of many genres and will always be remembered for matching the perfect tune to any mood or occasion. He loved attending concerts and sporting events as well as cheering on his favorite teams. Pete will be treasured always for his humor, fun-loving nature, loyalty, integrity and compassion for others. His family also finds solace in the fact that he lived life in the moment and didn’t tend to sweat the small stuff. His kindness and ability to simply put people at ease touched the lives of many who knew Pete and who feel a deep loss in his passing. Aptly nicknamed “Rock” by his Theta Delta Chi brothers in college, Pete’s steadfast strength throughout a life well lived will be a comfort to all in the days ahead. And as the road rises to meet him, his personality and grace will continue to live on in his daughters.
In addition to his wife and daughters, Pete is survived by his loving parents, Peter and Carole Dolan of Williamstown, MA; his sister, Beth Dolan, and her husband, Kevin Pezanowski of Bennington, VT, who will forever cherish their memories with their son and brother “Zig”; his aunt and uncle, Sandie and Michael Dolan of Pownal, VT; his in-laws, John and Carolyn Beck of Leesburg, VA and their family. Pete will also be sorely missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
The family welcomes all to a memorial celebration of Pete’s life which will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the LUNGevity Foundation and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.