Michael Joseph Doolan, Popular Shore Restauranter, Dies At 87

Courtesy of O’Brien Funeral Home:

Michael Joseph Doolan, 87, of Spring Lake died Saturday, March 28, 2015 surrounded by his family at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.

Born in Jersey City, Michael grew up in Bayonne before moving to Spring Lake in 1954. He was a parishioner of St. Henry Church in Bayonne and St. Catharine Church in Spring Lake. He attended Manhattan and Sienna Colleges and played on the basketball team.

Michael was a veteran and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Michael began his career in the hospitality business, owning and operating The Depot in Bayonne, before buying Boyles Village Barn in Spring Lake Heights. He operated the Village Barn in the 1950s and 1960s as one of the Jersey Shore’s most popular night club and pool bars, before transforming the business in the 1970s to Mike Doolan’s (Doolan’s Shore Club) as a leading restaurant, banquet and wedding facility.

He was a member of the Spring Lake Golf Club, Wall Kiwanis Club, and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of the Jersey Shore. Michael loved basketball and enjoyed spending time in Puerto Rico. He was very proud of his American and Irish heritage.

Mike was a man of great love, laughter and had a natural ability to make everyone feel welcome. No one ever came into his presence without feeling his passion and enthusiasm for life. He centered everything on his faith, family and love of his restaurant business.

Michael was predeceased by his parents, John and Anne McLoone Doolan; sister, Marie Doolan Zukowski. Surviving is his beloved wife of 58 years; Joan Kush Doolan, his daughters; Ann Carter and her husband James of Las Vegas, NV, Susan Doolan and Joanie Doolan both of Spring Lake, a sister Anne Wall of Bayonne, and many nieces, nephews and dear friends and his dedicated staff.

Visiting will be on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the O’Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Hwy 35 at New Bedford Rd.,Wall. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, at St. Catharine’s Church, 215 Essex Ave., Spring Lake. Committal will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to Spring Lake First Aid Squad, 309 Washington Ave., P.O. Box 94 Spring Lake, NJ 07762. For more information or to send condolences please visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com.