Joseph Dombrowski

January 23, 1943 ~
June 16, 2022

Joseph Patrick Dombrowski, age 79, of Allendale, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, June 16, 2022. He was a parishioner of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Some of Joseph’s favorite pastimes included watching the Lions games, enjoying a glass of red wine after dinner, and visiting waterfalls when traveling. Joseph was able to travel with his wife, Judy, to places including Hawaii, Rome, and cruises to Alaska, Istanbul, and the Caribbean and Mediterranean areas. He was a loving husband, father, papa, great-grandpa, and his son, Joey, became a blessing to all his family and friends. Joseph will be missed for his gentle spirit, willingness to help anyone in need, and his humble wisdom and experience he shared. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lena Dombrowski; and brothers, Doug Dombrowski and Gene Dombrowski. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 30 years, Judy; children, Deb (Mark) Paradowski, Joseph Jr., Susan (Joel) Nemes; stepchildren, Kimberley (Rodney Allen) Toms, Patrick (Stephanie) Toms, Rebecca Parker; grandchildren, Corey, Kayla-lea, Vaughn, Cameron, Isaac, Finnley, Kieyana, Jordyn, Jada, Samuel, Zachary; great-grandchildren, Evie, Adie, Jayla, Rexcel; brother, Marty Dombrowski; many nieces, nephews and dear friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 2700 Baldwin St., Jenison, with Fr. Colin Mulhall presiding. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday, June 24, from 4-7 p.m., with a Vigil Rosary service to begin at 7 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Allendale) 6651 Scott St. An hour of visitation will also be held Saturday from 9-10 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Special Olympics (https://www.specialolympics.org/) or Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.

The truth about obituaries is that you cannot sum up a person’s life in 500 words or less. It’s impossible. Were they honest? Did they treat people well? Would they give you the shirt off their back? If you asked anyone who knew my dad those questions they would say: yes, yes and yes. He was kind. He cared about everyone. He believed in always doing the right thing, no matter what. He also perfected the art of long-form lectures. I received so many of them growing up that I started to number them and would tease him about going back to lecture #43 – don’t burn your candle at both ends (I got that one quite a bit). Sometimes I wondered if he knew what he was doing as a parent. Then I had kids myself and realized that he was doing pretty much what every parent does – making it up as you go along. And I appreciated him as a Dad all the more for that. He loved red wine. But not the expensive kind. He loved Franzia, which comes in a box and was a regular staple in our refrigerator. He never drank too much – just a glass after dinner as he was watching the news or coming up with a new lecture based on something I did or did not do. And he loved the Lions. Poor man. Talk about loving something that will never love you back no matter how many coaching changes are made or dollars that are invested. He loved his church. He loved his friends. And he loved his family. Sounds cliché, but if there ever was a life well lived, it was his. It’s okay to feel sad at his passing as I’m sure many of you do. I’m crying as I write these words. But I am comforted by the fact that his legacy lives on in his family, in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and in every life he touched in the nearly 80 years we were lucky enough to have him on this earth. – Susan (Dombrowski) Nemes

Visitation
Friday, June 24
4:00pm - 7:00pm

MKD - Allendale
6651 Scott St.
Allendale, MI 49401

Phone: (616) 895-4400

Vigil Service
Friday, June 24
7:00pm

MKD - Allendale
6651 Scott St.
Allendale, MI 49401

Phone: (616) 895-4400

Visitation
Saturday, June 25
9:00am - 10:00am

Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish
2700 Baldwin St.
Jenison, MI 49428

Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, June 25
10:00am

Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish
2700 Baldwin St.
Jenison, MI 49428

Leave Your Tribute Message

June 21, 2022 3:38pm
Judy, I am sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. He fought a good fight for the last several years. Peace and comfort to your family. Libby Sperry

- Libby Sperry

June 20, 2022 12:34pm
We are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was a valuable member of the Board of Directors of the Pinestead Reef Resort. And we always felt that he brought a measure of common sense to issues. We valued his judgements. Our deep sympathy to his family... He will be much missed.

- Mark Hawley, President, Pinestead Reef Resort

June 18, 2022 5:12pm
Judy and family, my sincere sympathy on your loss.

- Kathy Hirt DeWildt

June 18, 2022 3:25pm
I have known Joe for several years now. He and my husband use to work together at Smith's Industries. To me, Joe has always been a person that showed loyalty, compassion, and dedication to his Church, workplace, family and friends. My late husband and I have always enjoyed our get togethers with Joe and Judy. I will truly miss Joe's sense of humor, Christmas letters and his stories. He will truly be missed.

- Robin Bundick

June 18, 2022 11:30am
Condolences to the family

- Bill Hudson

June 18, 2022 12:12am
Dear Joe Jr. (& the entire Dombrowski family), we are so very sorry for the loss of your dear dad. He was a very kind & friendly man. We know the sadness that comes from losing a dad. We will be thinking of you & praying for you in this sad time. May knowing your separation is temporary bring you a sense of peace & comfort. Our deepest sympathy to you and all those that loved your dad. Kim Sullivan and Tim Smoes

- Kim Sullivan




Order flowers for Joseph's service.

Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement

White Wonder

Thinking of You Basket

Tender Touch

Stargazer Garden

Stargazer Easel Spray

Sincere Sympathy Garden

Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)

Remembrance Easel Spray

Natures Glory

Loving Embrace

Gerbera Greetings

Colorful Memories Wreath

Classic Sympathy

Blooming Duo

Bells of Beauty

Beautiful Memories

Beautiful Blessings Wreath

Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.

 

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