Gary Charles Dolde, 85, of Hollywood Beach, MD died peacefully at home on February 12, 2023, in the care of his wife, and family. A loving husband and father, who found endless, creative ways to keep his five children entertained, Gary enjoyed books, cats, and fried oysters, and was passionate about classic cars and motorcycles. Born January 17, 1938 in Philadelphia to Charles W. and Sally (O’Shea) Dolde, Gary received a B.A. from St. Joseph’s University and a Masters degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania. He married Kathleen Keenan on September 3, 1960.

After working as a parole officer in Chester, PA, Gary, along with his wife Kathleen, a nurse, were house parents in Wilmington, DE at Casa de Sales, a group home for Cuban minors fleeing political turmoil during Operation Pedro Pan. The warm, loving family environment the Doldes created at Casa de Sales continued through Gary’s work with foster children and adoptive parents for Catholic Charities and the Diocese of Wilmington. In 1973, Gary and Kathy and their five children moved to Hollywood Beach, MD. Gary worked for Cecil County Social Services and then Kent County Social Services, serving as Assistant Director until his retirement in 2008.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, sister Barbara Rule, and granddaughter Meghan Graham, and is survived by: his wife, Kathleen; his five children Susan Heinzman (Dean) of Earleville, MD, Carl Dolde (Jenifer) of Earleville, MD, Matthew Dolde, (Debra) of Newark, DE, Julianne Graham of Galena, MD, and James Dolde (Pamela) of Chesapeake City, MD; and his eight grandchildren Ben Heinzman, Joe and Cleo Dolde, Nate and Eva Dolde, Katie and Jeremy Graham, and Hannah Dolde.

Visitation will be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Chesapeake City, MD on Friday, February 17, 2023 beginning at 10 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery. Funeral services are provided by R.T. Foard Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cecil County Animal Services Foundation, 3280 Augustine Herman Highway, Chesapeake City, MD 21915 or online at www.ccgov.org/government/animal-services