Joseph “Joe” R. Tolan died peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved, ones after a brief illness on September 3, 2015.  He was 73.

Joe was born on October 22, 1941 in Hornell, New York, to Genevieve (Johnson) Tolan and Raymond John Tolan, who predeceased him. 

Raised by loving parents (not to mention the nuns at St. Ann’s School), he demonstrated respect and service to others, as well as generosity with his time and talents.  Joe graduated from Hornell High School, attended St. Bonaventure College and Cornell University in preparation for a lifetime career in public service. 

He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow of the Boy Scouts of America, was honorably discharged from the United States Army after serving as a Military Police Officer in Livorno, Italy, and was selected as Engineer of the Year by The New York State Association of Transportation Engineers.

Joe and Susan (Hall) married on December 28, 1991 in Canisteo, New York.  They relocated to North Carolina in 1996. 

Joe is survived by his wife, Susan, daughter and granddaughter Jill Tolan and Eve Khalil of Miami, Florida, daughter Olivia Anne Tolan of Basel, Switzerland; sister Mary (Robert) Mosier of Plover, Wisconsin, nephews Christopher (Robin Gose) Mosier of Austin, Texas and Michael (Rachel) Mosier of Mt. Vernon, Iowa; mother- and father-in-law Kay and Bob Hall of Big Flats, New York, sister- and brother-in-law Sandy and Kevin Sullivan of Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Joe spent more than fifty years in public service, beginning his long career as an Engineer with New York State Department of Transportation, continuing at the City of Charlotte Storm Water Services and concluding at the Town of Indian Trail. 

He was a loyal follower of the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Notre Dame football, and St. Bonaventure basketball.  Throughout his life, Joe was also a hunter, fisherman, NASCAR fan and most importantly, loved a good St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

A memorial service honoring Joe will be held Saturday, October 10 at 11:00 AM at Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, New York, with a luncheon at the American Legion in Canisteo, New York following the service.  Joe will be laid to rest in the family plot in Canisteo, New York. 

A celebration of Joe’s life was also held September 9 at the Weddington United Methodist Church in North Carolina. 

The family would like to thank Shelby, Ashley, and Lola of Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, and Mari of Home Instead for their comforting care.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 E. Seventh Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28204, or to the charity of your choice.

May joy and peace surround you, contentment latch your door,
and happiness be with you now, and bless you ever more.