Rev. Daniel M. Dooley | St. Gabriel's pastor, 74

The Rev. Daniel M. Dooley, 74, pastor emeritus of St. Gabriel Church in Norwood, died of melanoma Monday at St. Matthew's rectory in Mayfair.

Father Dooley was pastor at St. Gabriel's from 1990 to 2003. Previously, he was pastor of Transfiguration of Our Lord Church in West Philadelphia for 11 years. He was dedicated to the schools in both parishes, said Msgr. John F. O'Brien, a longtime friend. It was important to him that children receive a Catholic education, O'Brien said.

Father Dooley was raised by his widowed mother in Sharon Hill. He was always appreciative of the care she gave him and his four siblings, O'Brien said. He graduated from Roman Catholic High School and studied for the priesthood at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood.

After his ordination in 1961, he assisted pastors in churches in Delaware and Montgomery Counties and in Philadelphia. Since retiring, he assisted with liturgies at St. Matthew's Church.

Father Dooley once owned a boat in Ocean City, N.J., and loved the sea, O'Brien said.

Father Dooley is survived by a brother, Msgr. Joseph P. Dooley; a sister, Nancy McLaverty; and nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be said at 11 a.m. today at St. Gabriel Church, 233 Mohawk Ave., Norwood. Friends may call from 9 a.m. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon.