Donald Ralph Dombrosky

Donald R. Dombrosky, age 94, of Elyria, Ohio, passed away on September 9, 2026 at O’Neill Assisted Living in North Ridgeville, following a long illness.

Donald was born May 5, 1932 in Elyria, Ohio to Frank and Helen Dombrosky (nee Masonis). He was a lifelong Elyria resident.

Donald was the loving husband of the late Shirley Dombrosky, who began holding his heavenly space for him in 1996. He was a 1950 graduate of Elyria High School and went on to attend Fenn College and Ohio State University, where he majored in Industrial Engineering.

Donald proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict, serving aboard the USS Bushnell out of Key West, Florida. Following his service, he built a long and dedicated career as a design engineer at Ridge Tool in Elyria, working there from 1963 to 1994.

Donald was a lifelong WWII history buff, always eager to share what he'd learned and discuss the events and figures of that era. An avid boater, he loved being out on the waters of Lake Erie, and he also enjoyed scuba diving, always drawn to a good adventure. Donald was also a dedicated cyclist, pedaling tens of thousands of miles over the course of his adult life, still riding well into his 80s.

A proud Ohio State Buckeye through and through, he was a massive OSU football fan who never missed a televised game. He also had a lasting passion for classic cars and sports cars, and could often be found admiring or talking shop about those he had owned.

Some of Donald’s most treasured moments were during his regular Tuesday lunches with his brothers Carl and Frank, with each taking turns choosing the restaurant of the week.

Above all, Donald's greatest joy in later life was spending time creating adventures and learning opportunities for his beloved grandchildren, Jaiden and Jaret Frantz.

He is survived by his daughters, Ann Dombrosky Makohon (John) and Jean C. Frantz (Robert). He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his brothers, Carl Dombrosky (Mildred) and Frank Dombrosky (Marge); and his sister, Janet Sternfeld (William).

Graveside services will be 1:30 PM on Friday October 2, 2026 at St. Mary Cemetery 7284 Lake Ave. Elyria. Deacon Patrick Humphrey will officiate. Please meet inside the main gate at the cemetery. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home of Elyria (440)322-4626. Online condolences to the family may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com