John J. Dooling was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. After high school, John joined the Navy where he earned two medals serving on the USS Minotaur during the Korean War. He then moved around the country in various sales positions until the mid-60’s when he landed in Michigan working for Kwikset Locks. This is where he met his wife Marnie and her four children.
John worked very hard all his life. After retiring as a manufacturer’s rep (travelling salesman) from Kwikset, he settled home and went to work in the Novi School system as a school bus driver. Later, he dabbled in some interesting positions including personal chauffeur and delivering flowers for the Village Florist in Milford. The common thread in all John’s jobs: face-to-face with people. He had a knack for making everyone he came in contact with feel better.
John had a true love for the game of golf and the Wednesday Night Couple’s league could always count on him watching the tee box for the blind hole on 15. In addition to a good poker game, rousing Red Wings game, Scrapple, and the occasional glass of scotch, he loved his wife, kids and grandkids. John will forever be missed for his smile and love of life.
Marnie and John were married for almost 50 years. He is survived by his wife, three daughters: Deborah (Don) Danko, Kim (Michael) Dangleis-Woods, Cindi (Jeff) Curry, and two sons: Donald (Betty) Rhoten and John Dooling, Jr. Also surviving are grandchildren: Billy (Brittany) Dangleis, Kelly Moriarty, Nick (Lynda) Curry, Ian Curry, and Samantha Rhoten, along with great-grandchildren: Bailey and Bradley Dangleis, Kaylee and Kadence Moriarty, and Colin and Sloan Curry. Also missing John are his two brothers: Jim (Mary Lou) Dooling and Jerry (Lee) Dooling along with many good friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents Tom and Margaret (Johnston) Dooling, brothers Harry and Tom Dooling, sister Jeanne Flebbe, nephew David Flebbe and grandson Dean Dangleis.
Known for his clever phrases (the origins of many unknown), he spent his last days “getting his ducks in a row” and making sure everyone close to him was taken care of. John lost his fourteen-month battle with cancer and passed peacefully at home with his wife and family.