DELRAY BEACH — Tom Dolvin, a well-known and respected dentist in downtown Delray Beach for more than four decades, died in Waxhaw, North Carolina, on May 15, family by his side. He was 80.
Born July 23, 1945, Mr. Dolvin grew up in White City, a community bordering Fort Pierce. He was but 12 years old when his father died, so his strong Southern mother became both parents to her only child.
After skipping his senior year at Dan McCarty High School, Mr. Dolvin entered Emory University and, following graduation, continued at Emory’s Dental School, where he received his dental degree. The next few years were spent in Germany, serving in the U.S. Army. Along with his young family, he then moved to Delray Beach, where he began a dental practice that lasted until 2016.
Mr. Dolvin’s interests were diverse, ranging from his windsurfing business F2 (“Fun and Function”) to opening Smoke Signals, a popular Boynton Beach restaurant.
His memberships at The Ocean Club and the Delray Beach Club provided countless hours of tennis and golf fun. He also wrote everything from greeting cards to lyrics, primarily for country songs — many of which placed in the top five of competitions, including the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
Of utmost importance to him, though, were his daughters, Caroline and Ashley, whose comfort and care were instrumental in making his last months peaceful.
Tom is also survived by his former wife, Carol; his son-in-law, Tim O’Mara; and grandchildren Quinn, Wells and Gracyn.
As he once poetically and generously wrote: “The hearse won’t pull a U-Haul, that makes it pretty clear.
“You cannot take it with you, better use it while you’re here.”
In keeping with that spirit, Mr. Dolvin arranged for happy memories to be shared at two of his favorite watering holes: Harry and the Natives in Hobe Sound, 6-9 p.m. Aug. 7; and Carsons pub in Stuart, 4-6 p.m. Aug. 8.
Flowers and tree-plantings can be set up from the legacy website heritagecares.com, where memories can also be shared. Click on obituaries and scroll to Mr. Dolvin’s page link.
— Submitted by friends and family
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