Alan Richard Jolly

Alan was a dedicated, loving, and steadfast husband, father, grandpa, brother, and uncle. He was a successful executive and a Providence College & Notre Dame graduate. He was our hero, a mentor to many, a fierce friend, and an inspiration who will forever be adored and treasured by all who knew him.

Alan was born in Woonsocket, RI, eldest son of Otis & Claire Jolly, brother of Mark Jolly, Brian Jolly, Christine McMurtry and Diane Callanan and honorary brother of John Brooks. Alan was married to the love of his life, Michaela Jolly, for 47 years (together for 52!), had twin daughters, Alana Rhodus and Mary Browning and four grandchildren: Michaela Browning, Capri Browning, Declan Rhodus and Finley Rhodus, who adoringly called him Pepé.

Before retirement, Alan was a Vice President leading large-scale, technology operations that supported Medicaid and food stamp eligibility for Indiana state and local government. His career spanned across sales, customer success, business development, financial responsibility and contract negotiations. Frequently the “rescue mission”, he had the expertise to build trust with troubled accounts and rebuild together. Alan was a constant motivator and activator of teams, allowing his organizations to thrive.

Next to his family, his other love and passion was for his alma mater, Notre Dame. He earned his Executive MBA in 2003, served as two-time President & Director of the ND Club of Indianapolis, Chairman of the Mendoza Graduate Alumni Board, and was a football season ticket holder for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame for 15 years. In 2017, he was awarded the Mendoza Distinguished Alumni Award, which he viewed as the highest recognition he received in his professional career.

Along with his favorite saying, “let’s rock ‘n’ roll!”, Alan was known for living life to the fullest - creating traditions and memories that will be with us forever from ND games to the Indy 500, holidays and making the simplest days special. He was an avid traveler which included their annual trip to the Caribbean with his best friends - Hawaiian shirt in tow! He and his beloved wife, Michaela, went on River Cruises in Europe, visited Ireland multiple times and always went back to their roots with trips to Rhode Island.

He picked up his grandkids to be with them each week, and enjoyed every minute of rocking them to sleep, learning about their days and cheering them on. He lived by the moto of, “you always show up” and was always there when we needed him.

In addition to his commitments to work and family, Alan was dedicated to taking care of his home and the birds, ensuring they were always well fed in the backyard.

Alan thanked God every day and worked tirelessly not only for his family and friends, but for those in need. He was a Team Lead at the Merciful Help Center food pantry, volunteering his time and resources. This dedication continued through his compassionate final gift of organ donation, saving lives, furthering research, and instilling a legacy of hope & healing.

Alan is preceded in death by his father, Otis E. Jolly, mother-in-law, Mary A. Smida, and father-in-law, Michael S. Smida. We take comfort in knowing they are all together again in peace.

A visitation for Alan will be held Friday, April 19, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. A memorial service will occur Friday, April 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM. A celebration of life will follow Friday, April 19, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM.

Visitation & Memorial Services:

Our Lady of Mt Carmel

14598 Oak Ridge Rd, Carmel, IN 46032

Celebration of Life:

Renaissance Hotel

11925 N Meridian St, Carmel, IN 46032

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Alan's memory may be made to Mount Saint Charles Academy, 800 Logee Street, Woonsocket, Rhode Island 02895