Charles "Bud" Francis Dombay

Charles Francis “Bud” Dombay was born on May 4, 1939, to Marie and Frank Dombay in Chester, Pennsylvania and attended Ridley High School, where he played football for his uncle Phil Marion. He graduated from Millersville University in 1961 with a degree in secondary education. In 1962, he married Janet Eckel in St. Catherine’s in Reading, Pennsylvania. He began his teaching career at St. James in Chester, PA. He went on to teach at Great Valley High School, Phoenixville High School, and Daniel Boone High School. He also coached golf, basketball, and track. His daughters fondly remember sitting behind the bench at many games, playing with their Barbies, while he waved his white towel at the referees.

Bud earned his Master’s and Principal’s degrees from St. Joseph’s and Villanova Universities, respectively. He served as high school principal in the Berwick and Twin Valley School Districts in Pennsylvania. Throughout his career, Bud’s true passion was teaching and coaching his students. After retirement, he enjoyed consulting in the field of education.

In 2009, Bud retired to Hiton Head, South Carolina. His hobbies included golf, travel, and volunteering. Bud and Janet traveled the world after retirement, visiting over 70 countries. They shared their love of travel with their family, taking their children and grandchildren on numerous adventures and cruises. Golf was a mainstay in his life, and he achieved two hole-in-ones at Moss Creek and Reading Country Clubs. The golf course was always his happy place. Bud was also an avid sports fan, cheering on his Eagles, Phillies and Fighting Irish with fervor.

Bud was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Family always came first. He supported Janet as she pursued her degree in education and throughout her career as an elementary school teacher. He was also deeply involved in his daughters’ passion for swimming. He often woke up at 4 a.m. to drive them to early morning practices and spent weekends at the pool, either timing or starting races. His family often joked that he might have taken on the early morning drives just for the Grand Slam breakfast at Denny’s.

Bud was also devoted to his Catholic faith. He served as an altar boy in his youth and was a lector and usher. His uncle, Father Charles Dombay, was a significant influence in his life, supporting his pursuit of education and assisting his young family as they faced several challenges.

Bud was predeceased by his parents, his brother Frank (Corky), and his son Chris. He is survived by his wife, Janet; his daughters, Denise Dombay (Chris O’Conor) and Diane Vidic (Matt); five grandchildren, Chris, Luke, and Jose Vidic, and Ellie and Jake Noznesky; along with his sister, Betty Ann Sullivan.

In lieu of flowers, Bud has asked that the next time you get a chance, you pay it forward in his name. The family will honor Bud’s life in a private gathering at a future time.