James P. Dooley

James Patrick Dooley died in the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025, surrounded by his wife of 45 years and their four sons, at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home.

Jim was born on November 14, 1958, in Boston and grew up on Nantucket and in West Harwich, MA. He graduated from Tabor Academy and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He earned his MBA from Assumption College and attended New England School of Law. He enjoyed a long career as a mechanical engineer with tenures at Newport News Shipbuilding, Babcock Power (f.k.a Riley Stoker), and Electric Boat. At every stage of his life he made lifelong friends, many of whom were present in his final months.

Jim valued family above all else and enjoyed visiting his parents in New Hampshire, his and Sheilah’s large extended family on Cape Cod and Nantucket, vacationing in Maine, and spending time with his sons and their families. He was exceptionally handy and loved building and fixing things. Jim was a two-sport collegiate athlete and an avid fan of football, lacrosse, golf, fishing, and boating. He particularly enjoyed watching the sporting events of his sons, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He is survived by his wife, Sheilah (Hession); four sons: James Jr. (Judy) of Brooklyn, NY; Patrick (Elizabeth), of Newburyport, MA; Timothy (Juliann) of Worcester, MA; and Peter (Catherine) of Worcester, MA; and seven grandchildren: Charlie, Finnegan, Delilah, George, James, Cashman, and Shirley; a brother, Joseph, Jr., and sister, Rita Mann (Charles); and dozens of extended family members and friends.

He is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Lura (Files) Dooley, and two nephews, Dain Dooley and Ryan Harvey.

Jim’s family would like to thank Mary-Ellen Taplin, MD, and her team at Dana Farber for the exceptional care he received throughout his ten-year cancer journey.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster Street, Worcester. The funeral Mass will be Saturday, December 13, at 11 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, 551 Pleasant Street, Worcester. A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pernet Family Health Service, Inc., 237 Millbury Street, Worcester, MA 01610; the Ryan J. Harvey Foundation, PO Box 6823, Holliston, MA 01746; or Blessed Sacrament Church.