Obituaries

Richard (Rich) J. Dombrowski, a longtime Old Forge resident, passed away Friday morning at Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Dunmore, after an illness. He was 71 years young.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, his wife of 47 years Mary Ann (Stocki) Dombrowski. The couple were married on May 29, 1976.
Born on September 21, 1951, and raised in West Scranton, Rich was the son of the late Henry J. and Margaret (Duricko) Dombrowski. A graduate of the former Catholic Central High School, he was an athletic standout especially on the basketball court.
He worked as a familiar face and mechanic at the former Lunger Brothers Sunoco Station in West Scranton. Upon graduation, he held several jobs beginning at Standard Iron Works. A skilled craftsman, he also worked several years for J&J Contracting in Old Forge, building two personal family homes along the way. Ultimately, Rich earned his well-deserved retirement as the head mechanic at Clarks Summit State Hospital after 25 years of service.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, Rich was a well-known and well-respected PIAA basketball referee having covered games throughout the region for nearly three decades. He also coached girls’ basketball at the former Bishop O’Hara High School. Also a professional sports fan loyal to his teams, he loved his New York Mets, Minnesota Vikings and New York Knicks.
Above all else, Rich’s memory will be one of an absolutely amazing husband, father, “poppi”, brother, uncle and dear friend. He was kind, caring and selfless and he would drop everything simply to help someone in need. He will be forever missed by everyone who knew him.
A faithful Roman Catholic, Rich was a longtime member of St. Ann’s Basilica Parish in West Scranton.
He is also survived by his loving family, including his beloved children Laura Slivinski and husband Anthony and Jeffrey Dombrowski and fiancé Kimberly Walsh, all of Scranton; two adored grandchildren, Jayden Dombrowski and Luca Slivinski; siblings, Diana Paddock of Old Forge, Robert Dombrowski of Peckville and Karen Langlois and husband Roland of Mystic, CT; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Rich was also preceded in death by his sister, Marjorie Coccia; and his brother-in-law, James Paddock.
His family would like to acknowledge and thank the entire staffs of Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Hospice of the Sacred Heart for the collective care, kindness and love shown to both Rich and his family throughout his illness.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Wednesday at 9:00 AM from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 N. Main Street, Old Forge, followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Ann’s Basilica, 1233 St. Ann St., Scranton. Interment, Old Forge Cemetery.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday between 4-7:00 PM at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made in Rich’s name to Hospice of the Sacred Heart c/o 53 Glenmaura National Blvd., Suite 120, Moosic, PA 18507. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave a condolence.