John H Dolcich

Sept. 21, 2014, of Washington, D.C. Born in 1921 in Verona, PA and formerly of Noblestown, PA. Preceded in death by parents Josip (1967) (Laz, Croatia) and Dora Babic Dolcich (1967) (Vinski Vrh, Croatia), siblings, Frankie Jagusic (1945), Frances (2008), Joseph (1989), Anne (2008), Michael (1972), grandson Gabriel Dolcich (1999). Survived by loving wife of 59 years, Mary Glaid Dolcich and children Benedict (Sandra) Dolcich of Westerville, OH , Anselma Ashley PhD. (Matthew) of South Bend, IN, Dr. Augustine Dolcich (Marissa) of Herndon, VA, Fr. Maurus Dolcic T.O.R. of Washington, D.C. He also is survived by nine grandchildren, Timothy Dolcich, John Ashley, Christina Dolcich Bayham (Dustin), Gregory Dolcich, Hannah Ashley, Veronica Dolcich, Rose Ashley, Lucy Dolcich, Joseph Dolcich and one great grand child, Patrick Bayham. A Sergeant in the Army Air Corps in World War II, he was a member of the 376th heavy bomb group which worked B-24 aircraft out of northern Africa and then Italy with the notable long distance raid at the Ploesti, Rumania oil fields. Five battle starts including the battle of Normandy. He received a Master's Degree in Education from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Moving to Washington D.C. in 1953 he was employed as a school teacher for 30 years with Montgomery County Maryland's Public School System at Leland Jr. High School, Chevy Chase (now closed), and Paint Branch Senior High School, Burtonsville. Over the course of these years he taught mathematics, geography and sociology, managed the school book store, coached track and was famous for his seasonally appropriate colored chalk board drawings. He was a Benedictine Oblate at St. Anselm's abbey in Washington, D.C and parishioner at St. Anthony's in Brookland. Later, a very active member of the Croatian Catholic Mission of St. Blaze. In retirement he loved to garden, work on his house, attend daily mass at the National Shrine where he yearly prepared the palm for Holy week masses. In 1986 he reestablished ties with relatives in Croatia where he traveled and loved the Croatian culture and spirit. Viewing, Friday, September 26, 2014, 3 to 5 pm and 7 to 9 pm at Rapp Funeral Home, 933 Gist Ave. Silver Spring, MD. Saturday September 27, 2014, Mass of Christian burial, 11:30 pm at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Crypt Church, 400 Michigan Ave. N.E. Washington DC, with viewing at 10:30 am. Internment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Silver Spring, MD.