of Warwick, NY, peacefully entered into the arms of the Lord on March 19, 2008. John was born on March 8, 1947 to the late John W. Dobbins, Sr. and Sheila O’Keefe Dobbins.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Jo-Anne of Warwick. He leaves behind his most precious legacy - sons John W. Dobbins, III and his wife, Juliette of Newtown, PA, Michael T. Dobbins and his wife, Autumn of San Diego, CA, Brian J.W. Dobbins and daughter, Erin C.R. Dobbins. As the legacy continues, he is also survived by his first grandchild, John W. Dobbins, IV.
He is also survived by his brothers – William P. Dobbins and his wife, Susan of New City, NY, Thomas P. Dobbins and his wife, Susan of Medford, PA; and Peter R. Dobbins of Bardonia, NY. He also leaves behind his beloved nephew, Christopher and his nieces, Carolee, Catherine, and Martha.
John was a man who enjoyed life. His passion for teaching was foremost and his 25 years at St. John’s University brought him untold pleasures. John loved his daily interactions with his students and his love of the classroom brought him numerous teaching accolades and recognition. His desire to bring the Vincentian mission to areas beyond the boundaries of the St Johns campus led him to travel to numerous foreign countries in Europe, Asia and Africa to act as an international business consultant.
John brought that same passion for teaching to youth athletics. In both Tarrytown and Warwick, John was active in Little League and Youth Football. His passion for baseball allowed him to fulfill another dream of his by umpiring. Many weeknights and weekends, John could be found behind the plate calling balls and strikes for Warwick Little League or through the Interscholastic Umpiring Association. He also served the Warwick community he loved as the bailiff in village court.
John was a devoted friend and neighbor – always willing to lend an ear. He volunteered his time unselfishly. His departing this world to receive his reward in Heaven has left a void in the hearts of many but his legacy continues.
Visitation will be on Friday, March 21 and Saturday, March 22 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 17 Oakland Ave., Warwick, NY. Funeral Mass will be at St Thomas Moore RC Church at St. Johns University on Monday March 24 at 11:00 A.M.. Please see www.lsvpmemorialhome.com for directions, further information or to send an online condolence.
The family has requested any memorial donations be directed to St John’s University at the following address:
St Johns University
Donor Relations
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439
Donations can also be submitted online at www.stjohns.edu/giving
Any donations should include a note that their gift is being given “In Honor of John W. Dobbins, Jr.”.
