CANTON, Mass. — John P. Donlan Sr. of Canton, Mass., formerly of Wollaston, Mass., passed away Jan. 26, 2012.

Beloved husband of Elizabeth A. (Byrnes) Donlan of Canton. Loving father of Mary Donlan of France, Marjorie D. Ray and her husband, Alan, of Missouri, Eileen Vidrine and her husband, Kent, of Virginia, Emilie Donlan and her husband, Melvin, of Newton, and John P. Donlan Jr. of Canton, Mass. Grandpa to Noelle, AJ, Kathryn, Matthew and the late William. Brother of Margaret Gnoza of Georgetown, Mass., Josephine McCoole of Rockland, Mass., Geraldine Chace of Hyannis, Mass., and the late Martin Donlan, Mary Daniels, Robert Donlan and Helen Gallagher. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

John’s family was the central focus of his life. They enjoyed many summers on Hancock Pond in Embden and winters in Port Charlotte, Fl. since 1991, where he also watched several Red Sox spring training camps. He was a pipe fitter by trade and a 50-year member of Local 537. Education was important to his family and he was most proud of being able to send his children to college. John was a fisherman and a woodworker who created carved birds and intricate dollhouses for his granddaughters.

A Celebration of Life Service was held at Keohane Funeral Home in Quincy, Mass. Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012, prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Ann’s Church. Burial in Milton Cemetery in Milton, Mass.

Donations in memory of John may be made to Old Colony Hospice, One Credit Union Way, Randolph, Massachusetts 02368.