Submitted by: John C. Monk

Thomas J. Dombrowski

Dec. 27, 1947 - Jan. 27, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Thomas J. Dombrowski, 62, of South Bend, IN, passed away at 1:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 27, 2010, in Hospice House. Thomas was born on December 27, 1947, in South Bend, IN, He retired on December 1, 2009 from the St. Joseph County Police Department, where he was employed as a Special Deputy in the St. Joseph County Jail for 20 years. On August 11, 1973, he married Nancy Witucki, who preceded him in death on January 13, 2005. Also preceding him in death was his mother, Helen V. (Hyduk) Dombrowski; and his brother, Ken Dombrowski. Survivors include his son, Phillip Dombrowski of South Bend, IN; two grandchildren, Summer and Cameron Dombrowski; his father, Ervin Dombrowski of South Bend, IN; his fiancée, Connie Baker of South Bend, IN; his sister, Judy Hartman of South Bend, IN; and his sister-in-law, Phyllis Dombrowski of South Bend, IN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday February 1, 2010, in Holy Family Church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 until 8 p.m. Sunday in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive. At 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, the members of St. Casimir Married Mens Club will join with Holy Family Parish to pray the rosary. Thomas was a 1968 graduate of Washington High School. He was a United States Air Force Veteran serving from 1968-1972 during Viet Nam War. He was a member of the American Legion Post #17 in Indianapolis, IN, and a member of Holy Family Parish. Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, IN. To send online condolences, please visit Kaniewskicares.com. Dad was a die hard Notre Dame and sports fan. He bled the Blue and Gold and also loved the Cubs and Bears. He was very passionate about golf, and even though he did not get out as much as he wanted, he always enjoyed his time on the course. You would always find Dad on the last weekend of June running the beer tent at the Holy Family Festival. He always loved to make us laugh, but he also had that romantic side when he loved a good dinner, drinks and dancing. A heart filled Thank You to Dad's Fiancee, Connie, who stayed by his side through his battle with cancer and made his final days as comfortable and loving as possible. Your heart and compassion is deeply admired and appreciated. Today I cry because you are no longer here, but tomorrow I will smile because the memories of you will live on. From the days of you coaching me in Little League, to the Saturdays of tailgating and Notre Dame football games, or just those afternoons of sitting on the back porch listening to the radio, sharing a couple of cold ones and small talk, You have taught me to be a man and a father. I am very proud to call you my Dad. It is now time for you to go to your final destination where you will forever rest in peace. Love, your son Phillip. A special Thank You to the entire Hospice Family and Staff whose work and efforts are truly unmatched. Also, a warm Thank You to Connie's daughter, Susan Conn, who took the time out of her schedule to assist in taking care of Dad in his final weeks.

Published in South Bend Tribune on January 30, 2010