Donna Dobrogosz

October 29, 1933 - June 06, 2022

Obituary For Donna Dobrogosz

Donna Dobrogosz, 88, of Raleigh, North Carolina, died peacefully at Springmoor Health Center, on June 6, 2022. She was born in Conneaut, Ohio, on October 29, 1933.

Donna grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania with her parents, Assundo and Alvera Bartone, and her two sisters Dolores and Suzanne. She graduated from Academy High School, where she met her future husband, Walter J. Dobrogosz. Donna and Walter were married two years later on August 22, 1953. They were married for sixty-eight years. Following Walter’s educational trail to State College, Pennsylvania (Penn State) and Champaign, Illinois, (University of Illinois), the young couple settled in Raleigh, North Carolina with their four children, Steve, Karen, Mike and Glenn.

At four feet and ten inches tall, Donna was the towering matriarch of the Dobrogosz family. Above all else, Donna dedicated her life to her family, including her four children, nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Proud of her Italian heritage, Donna loved to cook for her family and would prepare classic Italian meals during holidays and family trips; her happiest times being the hours gathered around her big family table. Her signature dish, passed on from her mother, included homemade raviolis and sauce for Christmas dinner.

In addition to her love for family and cooking, Donna dedicated her life to teaching young children and, even late in life, had a magical gift with any small child. Donna was very social, loved to dance, and enjoyed going on family trips to Holden Beach, North Carolina and Erie, Pennsylvania. Later in life, Donna enjoyed cruises with her husband and family. In 2013, she fulfilled a lifelong dream to take her entire family – children and grandchildren – on a European (mostly Italian) cruise.

Donna collected angels, always had a cup of hot tea in her hands, and loved to teach her grandkids how to cook her Italian recipes. No matter who visited her house, which often smelled of basil and garlic, she welcomed them with open arms and a huge smile that radiated from her sparkling blue eyes.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents, Assundo and Alvera Bartone.

Donna is survived by her spouse, Walter Dobrogosz, and her four children and their spouses, Steve Dobrogosz and Katarina Fritzen of Stockholm, Sweden, Karen Dobrogosz and Robert Wilson of Micaville, North Carolina, Mike and Lisa Dobrogosz of Norris, Tennessee, and Glenn and Tonya Dobrogosz of Greensboro, North Carolina; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Donna is also survived by her two sisters Dolores Bula and Suzanne Brown.

A memorial service will take place at a later date in Erie, Pennsylvania. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Donna to one of her favorite charities – St. Jude Children's Hospital

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Condolences

June 13, 2022

Don Cimorelli

The Triangle Sons & Daughters of Italy sends our condolences to Donna's family. Longtime members of our group have fond memories of her contributions and how she hosted several events. We are thinking of her family at this difficult time. With Sympathy, Don Cimorelli TSDOI 2817 Lodge President
June 12, 2022

Joyce Walker

I taught preschool with Donna and 2 of my children had her as a teacher there at Millbrook Baptist preschool. Donna was such a loving caring person who was so kind to her students and friends. My sympathy goes out to her family. Joyce Walker
June 08, 2022

Katharine Stewart

Donna taught me when I was a preschooler. I remember her class as a place of warmth and love and encouragement. She nurtured my curiosity and burgeoning love of reading. I have never forgotten her, and am so grateful for the impact she had on my life. My heart and deepest sympathies are with Walter and all of your family — if she made this much impression on me fifty years ago when I was three, I can only imagine what a loving and amazing force she was for all of you. Know that she is remembered so fondly by many folks who knew her in their preschool days as "Miss Donna."
June 08, 2022

John Bula

Uncle Wally, Steve, Karen, Mike and Glen, I am sorry for the loss of Aunt Donnie. I will miss Aunt Donnie's joy of family and spirit for life that brought much enjoyment to our family during your annual Christmas visits in Erie, PA. May God bless you and bring peace in your heart. John
June 08, 2022

Joyce and Brad Moses

Donna was a member of the Triangle Sons of Italy along with Walter. We shared many wonderful events together. Donna loved to be in the kitchen and share her recipes. Also hosting at her home. Sending prayers for healing to Walter and the family. Donna is now cooking for the angels as one herself.
June 08, 2022

Sandy and Dom

We lost the shining star of our family. The epitome of a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister I never had. I'll miss her phone calls asking me" remember that song our Mother's used to sing"? Then we would sing it together over the phone. She was deeply loved, and will be sadly missed. Our heartfelt sympathy to Wally, and S-K-M-G. Much Love, Sandy and Dom