Walter Valentine Dombkowski

My Dad, Walter V.(Valentine) Dombkowski, made it to heaven on July 4th at 1PM.

I held his hand with a crucfix in it and my hand tightly wrapped around his. My head was next to his trying to just feel his warmth and make him aware I was with him. My wife Stephanie held his other hand on the other side of the bed, and my father-in-law, Rick was reading from the New Testament silently at his feet. EWTN was on the TV above quietly broadcasting a live Mass being said by the Pope. I had been holding him since 8 AM that morning, and I really didn't want to ever let go. I wanted to be the kid that walked on the beach with him ever so many years ago, while his big hand squeezed my little hand ever so tightly. Now it was my turn to hold his hand on his walk to his greatest Father in heaven- our Greatest Grand Father of them all- our Bozia. (Polish for God the Father). His eyes were closed and he was peacefully sleeping . He drifted off to God's arms like a feather on a very gentle breeze. On the breath of God's love.

My Dad was finally reunited with my Mom- Vivian- who he privately mourned for all of his life. Right now he is reunited with all of our family and good friends that passed on before him . He has so many friends up there that I dare to say that it will take an eternity just to catch up on all the stories being tossed back and forth.

He was born on Memorial Day May 30th, 1927 of Polish immigrants. His Dad, Walter, was 27 and a Barber by trade.His Mom, my wonderful grandmother Sophia, was 19.
There will never be another generation like his that loved God and this country so passionately. And it's difficult to conceive of any son who loves and misses his father so deeply as I do.

He was loved by everyone he met, and he treated most everyone like his family.He will be missed by me, Stephanie, Katie, Faith, Aubrey and Keeley, as well as his sister, my Aunt Irene, and all of her family, Danny, Tim, Randy and Kathy.He is also missed by his wonderful family who lived next door to him for 25 years, Ken and Sherri Lagassa, and Ken Jr, Jimmy, Bobby and Tommy. They took care of him and kept him out of trouble- no easy task. In the end they actually saved his life and got me there in time to bring him home to me. I am eternally greatful to them for their compassion and love.

My Moms side of the family had her sisters Lorraine, Betty, Barbara, and brothers Gene and Frank Jankowski, and all my cousins from their family who I still love dearly, like Todd and Annie, and Lori, and Kim, and Michael and Kenny and Stevie and Karen. Kathy and Cheryl and Dennis and David, and the list goes on.

He had another family also, the family of Steve and Helen Mrowiec. Uncle Steve was his best friend of all, and I grew up playing with his kids, Jimmy, Gary, Diane, Debbie and Johnny. They are my family now also, my brothers and sisters. I couldnt have gotten thru this without their help and guidance. I love them all deeply and miss them..

There is also the family of Roman and Sabina Harkaway, with Suzie and Chuck. He was Uncle Roman to me, and the only doctor my Dad ever went to. I have memories of his office and going to his cottage on Brighton Lake that I will always cherish.My Dad loved Uncle Roman and missed him greatly.

My Dad took care of , and worried about all of his Aunts and Uncles until their passing. Especially Uncle John who lived with us, and Aunt Rose and Uncle Ed who are still hanging in there. My Grandmother Sophia had many sisters and brothers - there was Mary, Helen, Angie, Lillian, Jean, Ann, Rose, John, and Frank.

Then there are all the friends of 6 Mile road. His buddies. They hung out at places called St.Louis Bar, Post 12 PLAV, and Babish's, and Rainbow, and Friendship Inn. A generation of guys known only by their nicknames. Like Flappy, Klem, Butsy, Stibbs, Digger Dan, Hambo, Genko, Muggsy and Helen.There are too many to enumerate.So many stories.

I would beg you to please send me your stories of him. I cherish all of them. From his days as a SeaBee in WWII then working at General Hardwood, Ace Automotive, Home Style Foods, and lastly St. Rene's with Norm Miller. And of course, his 6 Mile rd adventures.

My Dad is celebrating his life right now and having a heck of a reunion in heaven, so please take a moment every 4th of July or Memorial day at 1PM and give a toast and a shout to my Dad. I'm certain that he will still be celebrating, and I will still be celebrating my life with the best Dad a kid could ever want. He was always there for me. My Rock and my Daddy. Dad I love and miss you. I thank Bozia for getting you home to me. I love you Daddy. Give Gram and my Mom a great big hug and kiss for me. I love you Daddy.Your are with me always deep in my heart.


Gary



My Mailing address is Gary Doski, 9208 Jaybird Cir W, Jacksonville, Florida, 32257.
My Phone at Home is 904-737-8240.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated to cover funeral arrangements.
We had a private service for our family at San Jose Catholic Church in Jacksonville last Wednesday, but still plan to have his remains interred at the National Veteran's Cemetary in Jacksonville in the near future. Also a trip will be planned next year to Michigan to celebrate a Memorial Mass at St. Rene's in honor of my Dad, and a get together for everyone. God Bless all of you and your families and keep you safe.PLEASE write or call or email me at [email protected] .