SAN DIEGO — Msgr. Neal Dolan, a retired priest of the Diocese of San Diego, died July 7. He was 88.
After completing his priestly formation at Immaculate Heart Seminary in San Diego, he was ordained to the priesthood on March 19, 1964.
His first assignments were as an assistant pastor at St. Therese Parish in Palm Springs and then at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in San Bernardino, at a time when both Riverside and San Bernardino County were still part of the Diocese of San Diego.
From 1967 through 1980, he served at St. Francis Seminary in a succession of roles: director of vocations, faculty member in conjunction with his vocations director role, and director of the Diaconate Office.
He was named founding pastor of Ascension Parish in Tierrasanta in early August of 1980, serving there until late June of 1987. He was made a monsignor on May 8, 1985,
Msgr. Dolan was then sent to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Lakeside, initially as parish administrator. Within a year, he was appointed pastor and continued in that role until July of 2001.
His final assignment was as pastor of St. Michael Parish in Poway, serving there for 13 years until retiring from active ministry in early July of 2014.
A vigil will be held at 4 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 6, at St. Michael Parish in Poway. The funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 7, also at St. Michael’s, with a reception to follow.
