Arthur F. Dooley
Arthur F. Dooley
HARRISVILLE ~ Arthur Francis Dooley, 85, of 8262 Locust St., Harrisville, died Saturday, July 24th, 2010, at Carthage Area Hospital, Carthage, where he had been admitted on July 22nd.
Born on January 18, 1925, in Harrisville, NY, a son of Arthur and Mary Fox Dooley, he was graduated from Harrisville High School in 1942 at the age of 17.
A World War II veteran, he entered the US Navy on April 2, 1943, after which he attended officer training school at Monmouth, IL. He was eventually one of two candidates selected for flight school and was transferred to the Navy’s pre-flight training school in St. Mary’s, CA, where he remained until the war’s end. Consequently, he was released from active duty on October 18, 1945. He then transferred to the US Naval Reserves serving out the rest of his naval service at the Headquarters of the Third Naval District in New York City. He was honorably discharged as a V5 Aviation Cadet on June 25, 1947.
Following his WW II release from active naval duty, Art entered Union College’s Albany School of Pharmacy in Albany, NY, from where he was graduated in 1949 receiving a Bachelor of Science degree. Shortly afterwards, he passed the required New York state examination and became a licensed pharmacist. After briefly working for B.O. Kinney stores in Massena and Gouverneur, he moved to Elmira to work at a college friend’s drugstore.
On July 22, 1950, in Elmira, NY, he married Mary J. Gardner. Mrs. Dooley died on April 12, 2007.
In November, 1950, Art and his wife, Mary, bought the pharmacy and dry goods store on Main Street in Harrisville that was owned by the Hannas family and eventually moved to a new location up the street where it became Dooley’s Drugs. Art, Mary and the Dooley family operated the business continually for the next 56 years with the assistance of Art’s brother, Robert “Bummer” and many others throughout its existence, until the Fall of 2006, when Art retired. Prior to his actual retirement in 1990, however, at the age of 65, when he was “thinking” about retirement perhaps to a location where there were warmer winters, he took and successfully passed a very difficult Pharmacy Reciprocity Exam for the states of Florida and Arizona.
In a brief biography about Art, written by Bill Peters in 2007, Mr. Peters wrote, “One attribute of Art that this writer observed was the confidence and conviction of his selection of treatment. Whether your complaint was a bee sting, upset stomach, or the common cold, you left the store feeling better, even before taking the medication based on Art’s recommendation! His many years of experience proved good judgment was well founded in most cases. Many local people can relate stories about the extra effort that Art has made on their behalf. A phone call to Art’s home would bring him to the store for many occasions, at any time. He would offer counsel and offer treatment for nearly every ailment or emergency. Although Art did not mention, nor confirm this, I suspect that there were many occasions when he administered to the ill and needy with little or no expectation of payment. It is this type of personal extra-service, concern and attention that will be missed by many residents in the area”.
Art served on the Board of Education for the Harrisville Central School District for 17 years, and at one time served as one of two New York State Democratic representatives of Lewis County.
Art was a life-long communicant of St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church in Harrisville. He was a member of the Beaver River Memorial Post 1663 American Legion in Croghan, and was a life member of the Gouverneur Elk’s #2035 Lodge, in Gouverneur.
Having been a long-time member of the Gouverneur Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf, he often said that his next hole-in-one would be his first.
Although not an avid hunter, Art was also a member of the Brown Creek Hunting Club and Harrisville Rod and Gun Club where he mostly enjoyed their social activities including playing cards and eating “camp” meals. He also liked bowling and snowmobiling, traveling to major league baseball games in New York City and an occasional trip to Lake George for a summer vacation. Throughout the years, Art and his family spent their summers at their cottage on Lake Bonaparte where they enjoyed the sailing club, water skiing and traveling to “Beer Island”. Aside from his family, Art undoubtedly took the greatest pleasure in collecting, building and flying model airplanes of all kinds and sizes. Lastly, his love of animals was immeasurable and was well known by the local animal community, especially for taking in, feeding and otherwise taking care of stray and injured animals including dogs, cats, birds, deer and raccoons.
Surviving are two sons and a daughter-in-law, David A. and Moira Dooley, of Buffalo, and Michael F. Dooley, of Ellenville; two daughters and a son-in-law, Patricia M. Dooley, of Rochester, and Margaret M. “Peg” and Daniel Drappo, of Calcium; 3 grandchildren, Erin Dooley, of New York City, Bryan Dooley, of Buffalo, and Brenndan Dooley, of West Carthage, and several nieces and nephews.
Three brothers, Robert, Charles and William “Punk”, and three sisters, Marion “Birdie” Bates, Emma Maxwell, and Margaret “Aunt Mark” Crandall, all died before him.
Art’s funeral will be held on Saturday, beginning with a 10:15 a.m. prayer service at the Scanlon Funeral Home, 14187 State St., Harrisville, followed by an 11:00 a.m. funeral Mass from St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church, Harrisville, with the Rev. Robert Decker, pastor, officiating. Burial with military honors will be in St. Francis Solanus Cemetery, Harrisville. Following the burial, a funeral luncheon will be held for all those in attendance at the Harrisville Rod and Gun Club, Middle Branch Rd., Harrisville.
Calling hours will be from 6 – 9 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to the Harrisville Volunteer Fire Department’s Ambulance Fund or Lewis County Humane Society, 6388 Pine Grove Rd., Glenfield, NY 13343.
« Cherry L. McCarthy | Home | Mary F. Schulz »
Comments
My prayers are with the Dooley family. If you only knew what this man meant to this town. To a true Irishman – you will be missed.
Dooley’s was our favorite store in Harrisville when we were kids. A trip in to town wasn’t complete unless we got to run in for some kind of penny candy.
Sorry to hear of Mr. Dooley passing.
Sorry, to hear about Art, he was a dear of a man, When ever anyone went into his store, They knew that he would or could get the medicines they needed. I remember going to his store for candy when I was a child. Like Tim Scanlon said,”HE WILL BE MISSED BY THE TOWN OF HARRISVILLE.”
We remember your father vividly. For all those years we lived in Harrisville, he was often our savior during illnesses. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
My prayers are with all of the Dooleys. I have many fond memories of Art over the years. For those of us brought up with “his type of wit” – we loved it!!! And he always loved it when he found someone who could give it right back! No one better than a Kilbourn to do that, right?! He fixed up my battered hand that had been cut pretty bad when I was a kid – mom said we’d have to take a walk over see “Dr. Dooley”! Art – we miss you already. I’m sorry to miss the funeral, but had plans to go see Angie in MA. Will be thinking of you all this week-end. Love, Barbie
Dear Dave, Mick, Patty and Peg,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad was truly “one of a kind” and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Remember all the good times and keep your memories close to your hearts. I send my prayers and sympathy to you all…
Love, Mary Ellen
Peg, very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Over the years, I heard a lot about him and I am sure he will be missed, Remember the good memories, they will be more important every day ! Sorry, Dave
My heartfelt condolences to the family of Art Dooley. I speak for my whole family when I say Art was a wonderfully kind and compassionate person. Art will surely be missed but his legacy will be passed from generation to generation as it was when he was living. RIP Art.
I am sorry to hear about your loss. Keeping your family in my thoughts.
The Kelly Family will always retain fond memories of our associations with the Dooley Family while we resided in Harrisville.
Art was a very giving person to his community, its residents, the school system and to people generally. He was always available to help people with their needs. He was a true professional who was very caring and loving.
Enjoyed my associations with Art on the golf course and outings in the community.
Art was a good husband and a great father.
History will treat Art kindly. He gave much more that he received.
The Dooley Family, Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.Art was so kind and generous…he will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.With sympathy,Nancy
To the Dooley Family – I have fond memories of Art the short time that my family knew him. He fixed me up more than once! My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know that the town of Harrisville will surely miss him.
Dear Art Dooley Family–
Hello, my name is Nort Taylor and I knew your father [and
your mother Mary] for more years than I care to remember.
I was saddened when I read Art had passed on and
send you all my sincere condolences.
He and I roomed together during our last 2 years in
Pharmacy college and became good friends. But as often
happens, our lives took different directions and, while our
one to one contact slowly faded,our friendship never did.
Art and I often spoke about how similar our lives were-
—–born, and schooled in the North– served in armed forces
during WW II –attended Albany College– enjoyed
long loving marriages and raised fine children. Our
careers did take a different path when I worked for Kinney
Drug Co. until retirement, while Art opened and operated a
successful pharmacy on his own. I think we always agreed
that”being a pharmacist, serving the public” was a most
rewarding profession .
The host of friends that Art had in Harrisville, and
throughout the North country,are beyond count. He
will be sadly missed–but never forgotten–by us all.
Most Sincerely
Nort Taylor
we had many great times at the lake with all of you. My though and prayers to all
I’m so saddened to hear of your father’s death, I miss both of your parents. They always told me that George was their first salesman to call on them in the store. We had good times together and great pictures from your wedding, Peggy, to cherish. I loved him too, I wish I was there, I’m in Fl. my husband here has terminal cancer.With thoughts and prayers, Susie Falso Neumann
Many thanks to all of the folks leaving messages here and elsewhere for their kinds words of support and encouragement during this sad time. One thing we must know is that because Mary was there first, dad will have a few tests to take before passing muster with her. She will allow him to have a cigar and a Manhattan though.
The Dooley Family
Thank you so much to everyone for the kind words. Before I took a new job in the Catskills I took care of my father for about 3 years and got to know him better. I am very thankful for that time we had together. He was a very special man and I will miss him very much. The pharmacy I work in is very much like the the “small town store” that we owned, so I couldn’t ask for a better job.
I was so sorry to hear that Art had left but know he will be happy seeing Mary again. Having left Harrisville when I was in my late teens in ’68, it was a true treat to see both of them on my last visit to the town some 4-5 yrs ago and be able to visit with them for a short time. I will always remember being treated as a respected customer whenever I went in to shop for candy or some trinket in the back room or downstairs. Neither men nor stores are made like that in huge numbers. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Dooley family. Mr. Dooley helped so many people in Harrisville. I used to love going into the store as a child. Mr. Dooley was a very kind and caring person. He will be missed greatly.
Thank you to all who have posted their thoughts and prayers. Dad is finally without pain and can rest now.
Art Dooleey, roz Cring , Georg Moses and I left Harrisville on the train for watertown when uncle sam called
Leave a Comment