Obituary of Donald J. Dobrovolc

LITTLE FALLS – Donald J. Dobrovolc, 87, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2020. He was born on February 7, 1932 in Little Falls, NY the son of the late Andrew and Mary (Kolar) Dobrovolc. He was a graduate of Little Falls High School, where he played multiple sports, most notably Tennis and Basketball, for which he won numerous trophies and awards. Don was a Korean War veteran serving with the US Air Force, honorably discharged as an Airman Second Class in 1953. He then attended Utica College of Syracuse University, where he received his Industrial Engineering degree. He often spoke of his fond memories of playing basketball while in college. He held the single game scoring record for multiple years. During his time at Syracuse, The Syracuse National NBA team were still in Syracuse (later moving and becoming the Philadelphia 76ers) and he was on the practice squad and met Wilt Chamberlain in practice and spoke of how impressed with how tall he really was in person. After college, he continued to play Basketball and Tennis on multiple teams and in multiple leagues into his early 60’s and was known for his impressive “hook shot”. On July 24, 1970 he was united in marriage to his wife of 49 years, Donna Handy. Don was employed as an Industrial Engineer for Remington Arms in Ilion, NY until he retired. He was a member of the Industrial Engineers Association. He enjoyed playing his harmonica and singing, fishing with his family, playing baseball, tennis, and basketball with his family, Herkimer Diamond mining and collecting, Family Camping trips to Lake George, taking pictures with his Polaroid camera, attending his families sporting events, school plays, and other events, doing magic tricks, playing pitch, and just talking and spending time with loved ones. He was a very proud dad and grandad, speaking often of his kids and grandkids to anyone that would listen. Later in life, he enjoyed time with friends at White Rose Bakery, McDonalds, and Stewarts. Don was a huge fan of all Syracuse University sports, especially basketball. On Saturday, the day before he passed away, his beloved Orangemen won against the defending national champs, The Virginia Cavaliers in a game nobody thought they could win except for the faithful SU fans. He is survived by his wife Donna, his sons - Donald J. Dobrovolc Jr., and David Dobrovolc and his wife Amy, his daughters - Helene Cecconi, Elaine Zucker, Regina Handy, Stephanie Allen and her husband Jeff, and Grace Saxe and her husband David, his grandchildren - Michael A. Cecconi, Daniel Cecconi and his wife Belinda, Nikole Doubrava and her husband Matt, Rick Dobrovolc, Marshal Zucker, Isabella Saxe, David Saxe, Aiden Saxe and Abigail Saxe, and Alexandria Dobrovolc, his great granddaughters - Raelyn and Brooklyn Doubrava, his sister in law Ruth Dobrovolc, his brother in law Gary Handy and his wife Joanne, his sister in law Debra Suits and her husband David, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son in law Michael P. Cecconi on January 31, 2018, his brother and sister in law Cyril and Barbara Dobrovolc, and his brother Edward Dobrovolc. Don loved life and lived it to the fullest. This is the essence of who Don was. The memories he created on his journey through life can be distilled down into individual moments those who knew Don will carry with them. These precious memories will keep him alive in the hearts of those that love him through stories and pictures and memories that will be shared for generations to come. He was truly one of a kind. Arrangements are by the Chapman-Moser Funeral Home, Inc., 42 N. Ann Street, Little Falls, NY. In keeping with Don’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service.