Ralph James Dolan Jr.

Ralph “Bo” James Dolan Jr.

Age 94 of St. Paul, Minnesota. Ralph James Dolan Jr. was born on July 16, 1931 and passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

He was the third child and only son to Ralph James Dolan, Sr. and Anne Margaret (Kill) Dolan. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Frances “Peggy” (O’Rourke), his parents and his sisters, Margaret Keppel and Joan Hardiman.

He is survived by his 6 children, John, Patrick (Terri), Michael, Dan (Jeanne), Mary (Sean) Regan, Anne (Paul) Culligan; 13 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. Also his sister Mary (Puddy) Delaney.

Bo excelled in sports and was a star athlete in football and baseball. He attended St. Mark’s Grade School, St. Thomas Military Academy ‘49, the College of Saint Thomas and the University of Minnesota. He enlisted and proudly served in the U.S. Army’s Security Agency, as a Morse code interceptor during the Korean War. After serving in the military, he returned home to start a successful career.

Ralph played an important role in many innovations at KSTP-TV and Hubbard Broadcasting in the Twin Cities for almost 50 years. In 1957, he became the first television news pilot in Minnesota, flying KSTP’s “News Hawk” plane and founded successful local programs such as Good Company. In 1981, he became the vice president and general manager of KSTP-TV and finished his career as the vice president of programming for United States Satellite Broadcasting. Ralph was inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Bo’s most cherished role was husband, father and grandfather. In 1956, Bo married the love of his life, Peggy O’Rourke. They built a magnificent life together, which included residences in St. Paul, winters in Florida, and cherished summers on the St. Croix River. Bo’s greatest passion was spending time with his family. Whether attending his children’s or grandchildren’s sporting events, hunting with his sons or getting spoiled by his girls. He was clever, had a quick wit and had a nickname for everyone. He was a devoted family historian, and took great pride in documenting the Dolan genealogy. Bo was a man of quiet strength, unwavering faith, and deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the strong family he helped build, the values he passed down, and the many memories that will be treasured forever.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Church of the Assumption, with visitation one hour prior to mass. 51 7th Street West, St. Paul. A private burial will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.

The Dolan family wishes to thank caregivers at Marvella Assisted Living and Our Lady of Peace Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady of Peace Hospice and Home Health Care or donor's choice.

The mass will be livestreamed and will be able to be viewed at https://watchitlivestream.com/r-dolan

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