John D. Dooley
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Published in July 2026
Captain John D. Dooley, 68, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026, at his home after a courageous battle with ALS. John’s more than two-year journey with ALS was marked by an unbreakable spirit. Though the disease gradually took a physical toll, it never diminished his warmth, sense of humor, or deep love for his family, friends, the Red Sox and the N.E. Patriots. He passed away surrounded by his wife and children, overlooking his crystal-clear pool and listening to Jimmy Buffett in Raynham, Massachusetts.
John is survived by his loving wife, Mary (MacDonald) Dooley; his children, Ryan Dooley and his wife, Kristen; John “JP” Dooley and his wife, Erika; and Kyle Dooley and her partner, Trenton Rafus.
He was known by many names: John, Johnny, Dools, and Uncle Johnny. He proudly held the title of Grandpa John among his grandchildren, Eliza, Sofia, J.J., and Amelia.
John was born on August 13, 1957, in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, to Philip R. Dooley and Sally P. Dooley (Quinn). He grew up as No. 6 of the “Kids 9 Dooley Crew.” He is survived by his siblings: Joyce, Gail (Bruce), Gwen, Jim (Cathy), Kathy, Bobby (Anne), Sally (Steve), and Philip (Tricia).
John graduated from Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School in 1975, where he excelled as a pitcher for the BRRHS Trojans. He continued his baseball career at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, where he graduated as a proud member of the Class of 1979. After college, John sailed around the world for 31 years on various ships, spending most of his career as Captain aboard AT&T’s cable ships, predominantly the C.S. Long Lines. He also spent many years aboard the C.S. Brown, C.S. Sentinel, C.S. Decisive, and C.S. Responder. Upon retiring from sailing, John continued his merchant marine career by working in Career Services at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, helping future mariners find opportunities to experience life at sea in a way few others ever do.
A celebration of John’s life will be held for friends and family at Olde Scotland Links, 695 Pine St., Bridgewater, MA 02324, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a tribute to John by his wife and children beginning at 10:00 a.m.
John was passionate about giving back to the organization that offered so much support to him and his family during his illness. In lieu of flowers, John requested that donations be made to Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS) via his Falmouth Road Race fundraiser: https://ccals.org/john-dooley