Joseph “Joe” Edward Dolin, Jr. passed away on Dec. 31, 2025. Joe was born on Mar. 2, 1945 in Shawnee, OK, to Joseph E. Dolin, Sr. and Evelyn (Zahasky) Dolin. He attended St. Benedict Catholic School before graduating from St. Gregory High School. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University and later a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma.
In the mid-1960’s, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served as a pharmacist. His service took him to Fort Bliss, Tx and later to the Army Hospital – Bad Cannstatt, in Stuttgart, Germany. He attained the rank of Sergeant. It was in Stuttgart that he met Linda McWhinnie, who he later married.
After completing his military service, Joe returned to Oklahoma and embarked on a career in public service. He worked for over 35 years in the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
Joe was deeply devoted to his siblings and took on a particularly significant role in the life of his youngest brother, Robert “Bobby’ Dolin, for who he served as legal guardian for many years. His sense of responsibility, once assumed, did not waver. For decades, Joe volunteered in nursing homes across Oklahoma, providing companionship and piratical assistance to elderly residents.
Joe is survived by his wife; his two sons: Neil A. Dolin and Bryan E. Dolin; grandson, Blake A. Dolin and wife, Victoria; three siblings: Patrick Dolin of Santa Fe, NM, Maureen Gilleland of Wichita Falls, TX, and Mary Ellen Bishop of Oklahoma City, OK; as well as several nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Robert Dolin of El Reno, OK, and Richard Dolin of Shawnee, OK; and a sister, Yvonne Rusziska of Phoenix, AZ.
Services are pending and will be announced at a later date. The family has designated Cohesive Hospice or Alzheimer’s Association as appropriate for memorials.
