Joseph J. Dombrosky, Jr.

Joseph J. Dombrosky, Jr., age 93, fondly known as Big Joe, passed away peacefully at home on October 27, 2024 in his lifelong hometown of Wilkins Twp.  He was born at home on September 13, 1931. He passed in the home he and his father built across the street and in which Joe’s 6 children were raised.  Joe's life was a testament to his dedication to faith, family, and public service.

Joe was a proud 1949 graduate of Turtle Creek High School, where he first demonstrated his commitment to athletic excellence and community. He carried these values with him to the University of Notre Dame, where he not only expanded his academic horizons but also was a member of the basketball team and deepened his lifelong passion for the Fighting Irish. Joe's love for Notre Dame was eclipsed only by his love for his family and his beloved wife of 69 years, the late Elizabeth "Betty" (Miller) Dombrosky, who died on March 3 of this year, and with whom he shared a life full of love and laughter.

The patriarch of a loving family, Joe is survived by his devoted children: Joseph C. (Marlene) Dombrosky of Utah, David G. (Jeanne) Dombrosky of Ohio, Mary Beth (Randal) Grether of Ohio, John R. Dombrosky of Ohio, Lisa A. (Joe) McCann of Wilkins Twp., and Patrice M. (Steve) Ferlan of Ligonier.

He was also proud of his 20 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Joe was preceded in death by his sister, Jane (late Edwin) Brosius. Joe is survived by Betty’s sister, Mary Ann (late Joe) Cigich of Delmont.

 After graduating from Notre Dame, Joe served in the Army during the Korean War. After his stint in the Army, Joe became employed with US Steel and retired as a Supervisor from the Irvin Works with 39 years of service.  Joe's professional life was marked by his 20-year tenure as an elected Commissioner for Wilkins Twp., where he also served as Board President and fulfilled that role with a deep sense of responsibility towards his fellow citizens. His work as a commissioner was characterized by his unwavering commitment to the betterment of the community, which he so cherished. In 1984, his leadership qualities were recognized on a larger scale when he was elected by his peers as President of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners.

Joe’s influence extended across Allegheny County and Western Pennsylvania where he was President for both Township Commissioners Associations and was a President of the Allegheny League of Municipalities. He also generously gave his time to sit on the board of the Mon Valley Human Services for 40 years.

When his boys were young, Joe served as Cubmaster for their pack. For all his volunteer efforts, Joe was honored with the Outstanding Citizen award by the Chamber of Commerce.

A man of faith, Joe was a lifelong member of St. Colman Parish, now St. Joseph the Worker Parish, where he was elected as a member and President of the Parish Council. Joe's spiritual life was further enriched by his loving devotion to St. Padre Pio.
Joe was an avid and competitive pinochle player and enjoyed the camaraderie of others while sharing a cold Stoney’s beer with laughter and storytelling. If you heard about his hole-in-one, you heard it again. You know you were special if he gave you one of his unique nicknames. He also loved gardening. When he no longer could do in-ground gardening, Joe raised his vegetables in containers on his porch. Joe proudly shared the bounty from his garden.

Friends are welcome on Friday from 4-8pm at Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Turtle Creek / Monroeville Chapel, 1111 Monroeville Ave., Turtle Creek, 412-823-9350 where the Rosary will be prayed at 6PM. Friends are also welcome Saturday morning from 9-9:30am.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Colman Church, St. Joseph the Worker Parish, on Saturday at 10 AM.

Joe will be laid to rest next to Betty in Good Shepherd Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Abode for Children 230 E Main St, Evans City, PA 16033 or www.abodeforchildren.org, which was also Mom’s passion.