Matthew "Matt" Dolan, affectionately known to many as Papa Dolan, Uncle Matt, or Mr. Matt, died peacefully on October 31, 2025, in Mountain View, California, surrounded by his family.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri to parents Elmer and Mary (nee Billings), Matt built a life defined by kindness, service, and connection. He and his 'darling' wife of 40 years, Anne, made their home in Wichita, Kansas, raising three children, Matt, Susan and Elizabeth. In 2014, Matt and Anne moved to Mountain View, California to seek medical care at Stanford for their late daughter, Lizzy, who lived with Cystic Fibrosis. Their
move was prompted by love and necessity, and they embraced the new life and built a community around them.

Matt was known for his easy smile, quick wit, and helping hand. He was happiest spending time with Anne and his much-loved dogs, Tucker and Duffy, traveling to see his son in San Clemente or his daughter in New York City and watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Kansas State Wildcats football or his favorite shows on BritBox. He was deeply proud of his Irish heritage and was completing the process of obtaining Irish citizenship. Tracing the family's roots became a hobby, which he tackled with the same gusto and curiosity as other aspects of his life.

Following Lizzy's death in 2023, Matt channeled his grief into purpose. He became an active participant in the Northern California Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, founding the "Lizzy Got Wings" passion fundraiser. Each year on Lizzy's birthday, he commemorated their shared skydive on her 30th birthday, by jumping from 13,000ft in her honor - an act that perfectly captured his courage, passion and love for his
children. Matt was a top fundraiser for the Northern Chapter of the CF Foundation, earning him the Passion Fundraiser Award for 2024.

Matt spent his career in the hospitality industry, welcoming people from around the globe. His work was more than a job; it was an extension of his belief in the power of goodwill and connection. He was passionate about local tourism, sustainability, and community engagement, partnering with these organizations: Ability Pathways, the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, San Mateo County & Silicon Valley Convention & Visitor's Bureau. He was a member and on the board of the Palo Alto Rotary Club. His leadership and dedication earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious Tall Tree Award in Palo Alto for Outstanding Business for the Homewood Suites by Hilton Palo Alto. His colleagues have shared, "Matt was an honorable man. He was a wonderful role model for our community: a humble leader with a big heart for everyone, including vulnerable people."

He is survived by his wife, Anne (nee Wetta); son, Matthew; daughter, Susan; and his four-legged companions, Tucker and Duffy. He was preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Elizabeth; his parents, Mary and Elmer; and brothers, Brian and Patrick. He leaves countless family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones who will miss his generosity of spirit and light.

Matthew's life will be celebrated with a Vigil Service on Sunday, November 9 from 4:00-6:30pm PT at Spangler Mortuary, 799 Castro Street, Mountain View. Reciting of the Holy Rosary at 6:30pm PT. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Nicholas Catholic Church, 473 Lincoln Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022 on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 10:30 AM. A private burial in Scotland is planned for a later date to reunite Matthew with Lizzy on the Isle of Skye.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ( https://passion.cff.org/lizzygotwings ) or the Rotary Club of Palo Alto ( https://www.rotarypaloalto.org/page/endowment-fund ).