Stephen Burke Dooley
Stephen Burke Dooley of Milford died November 6, 2008. Steve was born on December 6, 1944 in Spartanburg, SC to the late Vincent Fenton Dooley and Katharine Burke Dooley. He attended St. Aedan's school in New Haven and Notre Dame High School in West Haven, CT. He was a graduate of Sacred Heart University, Housatonic Community College and C.P.I. While at Sacred Heart, Steve was named to 'Whose Who In American Colleges and Universities' and was a member of the Kruzfrauer Fraternity. Steve was an accomplished musician and song writer, performing with local artists and earning recognition from the American Song Writer's Association. He was a member of the original company of performers and musicians at The Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport as an actor, musician, and assistant musical director. He was also employed by the Xerox Corporation in the technology department. He married the former Margery O'Connor and resided in Milford since 1978. Steve was an active member of the Milford community, coaching soccer, assisting with Cub Scouts and the Milford Tennis Association. He was a parishioner of St. Mary's Church, where he was a choir member for many years. Steve volunteered at Bridges in Milford and at Marrakesh in New Haven where he was named Volunteer of the Year in 2002. In addition to Margery, he is survived by two children, Lauren Dooley Sprague and her husband Scott and granddaughter, Maggie, of Haverhill, MA and Ryan Dooley of Brooklyn, N.Y.C., his step-mother Barbara Dooley, one brother, F. Thomas Dooley and his wife Pat of Woodstock, CT and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by a brother Vincent P. Dooley. Donations in memory of Steve may be made to the American Heart Association, 1 Union St., #301, Robbinsville, NJ 08691-4183. Mass of Christian Burial, Sat., November 15 at 10:30 am at St. Mary's Church, 70 Gulf St., Milford, CT. Friends may visit with the family Friday, from 4-8 pm, at Beecher & Bennett-Taylor, 410 Campbell Ave., West Haven, CT. Burial in Family Cemetery, Guilford, NH.
Dear Tom and Pat, I am so sorry to hear about our recent loss. Although I did not know your Brother Stephen I can see how involved and full of life he was. My very deepest sympathy to you and your family at this time. Regards, Debbie and Vinny Siena Jr.
Good-bye Steve! I remember being amazed at an early performance of yours back in the sixties coffee house scene. Your blues was gritty and personal. Cutting and true! At moments I still hum some of your tunes and remember your lyrics.
It has been a while since I have contacted any of the brothers and I was unaware of Steve’s passing. I wish to send my condolences to Margie and the children. Steve was more than a memory, he was a friend and great model for me during my undergraduate time. I am sure all who knew him will miss his presence i their lives. So long, Steve. You will be in my heart as long as I have breath.
Rest in peace.
Steve I remember the picture, although we are all much older now. Music was your life and guided you through it. Your helping hand was always there when needed. Rest in peace, my friend, and keep the choir of Angels in step. Dave Layden ’67
Steve, It seems just a short while ago there was the war, the school, the friends, the growing up in fits and starts. Through it all there was always the music. In every day, through every day and then especially in the evenings, guitars, banjos, hands together and feet to floor, we made music. We wrapped our voices in what we believed to be the holy embrace of our earnest and artful songs. Love, anger, friendship and salvation we poured our hearts and thoughts into every note. The music would fill us, bring us together and make us whole. Then it would flow out of us and fill up the room and seep out from under doorways and through windows into the night air and then out to the stars. Peace my friend. Follow the music. Clement Kichuk
Steve, we will always remember the good times at The Cabaret, the cabin, and the beach. God bless. Victor & Jude
Steve’s photo was as I remembered him at SHU. We car pooled from Westville during those early years of SHU. We lost touch in the late 60’s as life goes. He was a great guy whose life seems to reflect that. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Kathleen Kelly Graham
To Margery and Family: Steve was ‘instrumental’ in all the productions we did at SHU in that tiny Cabaret before we all moved Downtown. He was a master in his craft. It was sad to hear that during the last fews years of his life he was unable to play his guitar. Now he can play for everyone in heaven. Steve, you were a wonderful performer whom we will always remember. Fondly, Mary Miko and Joseph Migliaro
What an entirely good and talented man – that is my memory of Steve. His abiding love of family surely poured over onto those of us lucky to be his friends. Sorrow at his passing turns to a sense of the peace he has to be enjoying now. I trust that I share this feeling with his loved ones. Betsy Anderson