Henry J. Dombrowski

Delmar – Henry "Hank" Dombrowski, 102, of Delmar and formerly Colonie passed away peacefully in his sleep, Monday April 24, 2017, at the Good Samaritan Lutheran Health Care Facility. He was a dedicated and loving husband to the late Alberta Ruth (Austin) Dombrowski. They met as fellow employees of Tobin Packing Company shortly after the end of World War II and were happily married for over 39 years before her passing on March 17, 1988. They would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on January 15, 2017.

Born November 1, 1914 and educated in Cohoes, N.Y., Henry was the son of the late Paul Dabrowski (Dombrowski) and Catherine Wolczanska, first generation Polish and Russian immigrants and residents of Cohoes. He was raised in the Van Schaick Island section of the City along with his six brothers and sisters. He was the loving brother of the late John, Nellie, Samuel, and Paul Dombrowski, Anna Hollis and Betty VanBramer, all of whom predeceased him; he is also survived by several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Henry proudly served the country he loved during World War II as a member of the United States Army with a rank of Private First Class. He joined the military on November 20, 1942 and served his country in the Philippines and Dutch East Indies as a heavy machine gunner and truck driver until he was honorably discharged from his service on February 11, 1946. Like so many of the "greatest" generation, he served well and to the best of his ability at a time when his country needed him most.

Starting in 1937, Henry was employed for over 40 years as a dock laborer for the former Tobin Packing Company in West Albany until his retirement in 1980. He was a sports enthusiast who loved golf and fishing, a lifelong fan of the New York Giants, the Mets and the Yankees, but most of all he truly enjoyed his family and was especially proud of his 3 grandchildren. Over his life he proudly drove his many Buicks, rode his bike, and lived independently in his home in the West Albany section of Colonie well into his early 90's where he enjoyed long-term friendships with many of his neighbors. Henry loved to fish virtually anywhere in the region and he regularly shot 85 or better at the Town of Colonie Golf Course right up until his last round of golf at 92 years old. Even at 102 years old, and in spite of being very hard of hearing and sight, he could clearly recall all parts of his life and he would often share stories about his youth, caddying at Van Schaick Island Golf Course as a kid, his first set of golf clubs, first and many cars, stories about his parents and brothers and sisters, his marriage to Alberta, his experiences in World War II, working for Tobin Packing Company, Ludlow Valve Company, vacations to Wells Beach, ME and his many fishing experiences and rounds of golf, including his only hole in one. He was a simple man who was naturally outgoing, really enjoyed meeting new people and talking with friends and strangers, and he loved being a resident of the communities of Cohoes and West Albany. He was a regular communicant of the Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church in Albany. In the latter years of his life before he moved to the Good Samaritan Health Care Facility he enjoyed the kindness and frequent company of his friend Ann Brown of Loudonville and continued their long distance friendship via telephone long after she moved away to live with her son in Austin, TX.

Most of all he loved his family and reveled in his grandchildren's athletic and academic accomplishments and frequently attended their school and sporting events whenever possible.

Survivors include his son and daughter in-law James M. and Karen Dombrowski of Delmar; and he was "Gampy" to his 3 cherished grandchildren; Caitlin V. (Katie) Dombrowski (Mathew Henion) of Boston, MA, Matthew J. Dombrowski of Delmar, NY, and Mary E. Dombrowski of Scottsdale, AZ.

The family would sincerely like to thank the many fine health professionals at the Veteran's Hospital in Albany and Albany Medical Center, the Delmar-Bethlehem EMS, and most of all the dedicated staff members of the Good Samaritan Lutheran Health Care Facility. Henry was well cared for in the latter years of his life by Courtney Stricos, and his many nursing caregivers; Pam Y ("Alcove 1"), Eboney ("Alcove 2"), Barb ("Colonie"), Kiesha ("Curley"), Joey, Joann, Kathy, John, Rosie, and Jen. We would also like to thank the dedicated staff of the Albany County Social Services Department Chronic Care Unit (Jean Huber and Mary Anne Evans), the Department of Veterans Affairs, and particularly Judy Aronstamm a senior staff member of former US Congressman Scott Murphy's Office. In spite of never meeting Henry, Judy was expert in veteran's affairs and she was instrumental in making sure he received much needed benefits from the Department of Veteran's Affairs Aide and Attainment Program. She was an understanding, caring and dedicated public servant who passionately advocated for Henry solely because it was the right thing to do when he was least able to do so for himself and her efforts meant so much to the quality of his care in the latter years of his life and will never be forgotten.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Funerals & Cremations located at 181 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet, NY, Thursday April 27, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A brief funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday April 28, at 10:00 a.m., with burial service to follow at 12:00 noon at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, New York. Friends are encouraged and welcome to join family and attend a celebration of a long life generally lived well.

Those wishing to make donations in the lieu of flowers are encouraged to give generously to the Elsmere Fire Company, the Delmar-Bethlehem EMS, and/or any deserving charity of their personal choice.