Bruce Dooley Sr.
— Old Lyme Bruce Michael Dooley Sr., 80, of Lone Pine Trail, died peacefully Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital after a short illness surrounded by his loving family. Bruce was born Oct. 16, 1942, in Hartford to William and Mary (Vail) Dooley.
He honorably served in the U.S. Air Force and was employed by R.R. Donnelly in Old Saybrook for over 40 years. Bruce then worked driving a bus for Mohegan
Sun Casino, and later 9 Town Transit.
Most importantly, Bruce married his high school sweetheart Phyllis (Chapman) Dooley on May 24, 1968. They spent 55 happily married years together creating and raising their family while setting an example of what a true partnership should look like. He loved to camp, fish and clam any chance he had. However, his favorite thing to do was watch his grandchildren in their respective sports, always cheering them on from the stands. Bruce was an avid card player and was always willing and eager to help anyone he could. He was generous beyond measure.
Bruce was predeceased by his parents; daughter Michelle “Micky” Bellefleur and son-in-law Fredrick Volkerts (Barbara). Bruce leaves his loving wife, Phyllis, and their children: Paula Tuscano, Paige Dibble Rotas, Bruce Dooley Jr. and Barbara Dooley. He was blessed with 10 beautiful grandchildren: Felisha (Jim), Laura, Andrew, Patrick, Elanne, Dillon (Liz), Ronald, Jacob, Alexis and Tyler. Additional blessings include five great-grandchildren: Hunter, Harper, Emmit, Isaac and Haysen. He is also survived by brothers, William, Barry and Bobby Dooley; and his sister Betsy Dooley Lewis; along with his sisters-in-law, June and Sue Dooley. Extended family includes sons-in-law, Rich Bellefleur, Joe Tuscano and Marty Lee; daughterin-law Cindy Dooley; and of course Jen Charest.
A Celebration of Life will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 9, with a service to be held at 2 p.m. The celebration will be held at the American Legion Post 113, 80 Essex
Road, Old Saybrook. All are welcome to come and share your memories as we honor an amazing man. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the local American Legion or VFW.