Here is the weekly message by Richard C. Irvin, mayor of Aurora.
As I was preparing to attend the visitation ceremony for Mr. Orlando Rivera Thursday, Feb. 20, I received the news of the passing of Mr. Dan Dolan, Sr.. Aurora was blessed to have received impacts by both men. Fortunately, I was made connections with both of them before they passed. On behalf of the community, I extend sincerest condolences to the Rivera and Dolan families.
I went to Chicago to visit Orlando in the hospital the weekend before he passed. He still had that customary smile and warm spirit. It was so good to see him smile. He worked tirelessly as a leader in Aurora’s Puerto Rican community and extended his service throughout the entire city. You could find him and his widow, Mirna, volunteering at events all year. Mirna and I shared the same office building for years when I was an attorney. I got to know the Riveras well and that relationship continued into my role as mayor. I am grateful for Orlando’s service. He will be missed, but he left an indelible mark that will live on through his family, friends, and fraternity.
I was spoke with Mr. Dolan just two days prior to his passing. It was his 89th birthday, and he was full of energy and motivation, as always. In the passing of Dan Dolan, Sr., we lost an Aurora icon. Because of him and his commitment to our community, the Dolan name is synonymous with Aurora. Beyond his generational success in real estate, he impacted generations of Aurorans through his philanthropy, generosity, and selfless service. As a young man growing up here, I’d always see the Dolan name. As an adult professional and elected official, I was blessed to know the force behind the name and to connect on a very personal level with the entire family. I’m glad so many of my minutes were spent with Mr. Dolan and learning first hand from a fellow East Aurora High School Tomcat and Auroran.
Let us remember the value of every minute of every day.
—Mayor Richard C. Irvin