Dr. Dominic R. DelBene 1931-2022

Dominic was born March 27, 1931, in Youngstown, the son of Michael and Margaret Augustine DelBene. Dominic was a graduate of Girard High School, the University of Cincinnati in 1954 and The Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1958.

He served for the U.S. Army at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C., as a dentist for two years. After the service, Dr. DelBene first had his dental office on Market Street in Youngstown, then moved his office to Girard, where he had his own practice from 1964 to 2000, working with his son, Randall, the last seven years.

Dom was a very faithful member of Woodland Park United Methodist Church, and also Girard First United Methodist Church, where he served many roles, including lay leader, finance chair and Sunday school teacher, and he always sang in the choir. His deep devotion and Bible study has been an inspiration to all who knew him.

In 1988, he and his wife, Christine, took a special mission trip to Dominica, where they provided much-needed dental care. He has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels and many other church missions, humbly giving his time.

“Deets” loved all kinds of sports and was inducted into the Girard Hall of Fame in its second year. He credited Coach Phil Koppel for his sports — and life — lessons. He starred at the University of Cincinnati under Hall of Famer Sid Gilman, where he was co-captain and held many records. He passed his love of sports on to his children and grandchildren, and coached (and played!) with them at every level.

Later, golf became his favorite pastime, playing in leagues or with his wife or boys, and making memorable trips with family and friends.

Whether at home, work or vacation, Dom was always kind, humble and compassionate to his family, friends, neighbors and patients.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 69 years, Christine Irwin DelBene, whom he married Feb. 16, 1953. She was his soulmate, doing everything together, and his rock, as evidenced by her endless devotion and love, right to the end.

His children include Richard (Bonnie) DelBene of Macedonia, Jeffrey (Patricia) DelBene of Spring, Texas, Dr. Robert DelBene of Waynesville, N.C., and Dr. Randall (Tracy) DelBene of Girard. His brother, Alex (Lena) DelBene of Girard, as well as 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, round out his beautiful family.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Schultz.

Funeral services will be held 7 p.m. Sunday, June 19, 2022, at Girard First United Methodist Church, where the family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m., until the time of service. Dominic will be laid to rest in Green Haven Memorial Gardens.

The family suggests any memorial contributions be made to Ruth’s Boutique (of the First United Methodist Church in Girard) or Ohio Living Hospice.

Visit www.blackstonefuneralhome.com to view this obituary and to send any expressions of sympathy to the family.

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