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Capt. Seymour "Sey" Dombroff, USN (Ret)
Seymour Dombroff, USN (Ret) Obituary
Former Suntree resident, Captain Seymour (Sey) Dombroff, answered his last hail on November 15, 2012, in Fairfax, Virginia.
Born in New York City in 1918, Sey graduated from Brooklyn College and was obtaining his masters degree in bacteriology at the University of Oregon when the United States entered WW II. He graduated from Midshipman school aboard USS Prairie State in 1942 and was commissioned an ensign in the Navy. He saw service in the Pacific during WW II and Korea. A life-long "black-shoe" Destroyer sailor, he served as XO of USS O'Bannon during the Korean War, and commanded USS Miller, USS McGinty and USS Decatur in the 50's. He also commanded Destroyer Division 322 and Destroyer Squadron 36. Shore assignments included tours at The Pentagon, Norfolk and Key West.
He retired to the Melbourne, FL area in 1972 and moved to the Virginian in Fairfax in 2007.
Married to Estelle Margolis (who survives him) in 1943, they had two children, Jeff Dombroff (of Warrenton, VA) and Wendy Sternberg (of Bala Cynwyd, PA). He is also survived by daughter-in-law, Susan Dombroff and son-in-law, Michael Sternberg, five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren along with countless friends.
Internment will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Seymour Dombroff, USN (Ret)
Gabriel Dombroff
January 30, 2018
He was a good man, he was a kind man, he was my great grandpa I love him his wife loved him everyone loved him he was the bravest man I knew
Tony West
March 28, 2013
He is remembered fondly by the sailors of the U.S.S. Decatur (DD-936). Best wishes to his friends and family from the U.S.S. Decatur Association.
Betsy Marks
February 12, 2013
Dear Uncle Seymour, you and Aunt Estelle were an integral part of our life, although at a distance for the most part. We last saw you at Mom and Dad's 50th anniversary and your memory is alive with us. Betsy Marks
Jerry Lamb
February 4, 2013
I had the pleasure of knowing Captain Dombroff and his wonderful wife for several years as a young teenager in Norfolk, Virginia. He was "THE" image of what any United States Naval Officer should strive to be. He was one of those few people you can never forget, and will be missed by everyone who knew him. A great, great man who seemed to always have or make time to talk to you and mentor you. I'll never forget him.
Larry Harris
January 22, 2013
Capt Dombroff was a mentor and friend. He had a wonderful way with people and made you proud to be a Naval Officer.
Floyd Hollister, Cdr, USN (ret.)
January 21, 2013
In 1954 when I began as an NROTC scholarship student at Columbia, Captain Dombroff was the Professor of Naval Science. I learned a lot from him and I regret his passing.
RUDOLF HRADECKY
January 18, 2013
Captain Dombroff was an inspiration to the Midshipmen at Columbia University NROTC. I considered him to be the epitome of John Paul Jones' definition of a Naval Officer-- the punctilio of honor and integrity, with a great sense of humor. Captain Dombroff will be missed.
CAPT Stuart Huntington, US Navy (ret.)
Stuart Huntington
January 17, 2013
In 1954-55, Seymour Dumbroff was an instructor in Naval Science to me and about 30 other Freshmen in NROTC at Columbia in New York. He was a wonderful exemplar of a Naval Officer and we shall not forget him.
November 23, 2012
As President of the Association of Virginian Residents you were our dedicated leader.
Werner H Quaebarth
Treasurer
Association of Virginian Residents
Bob Lentz
November 20, 2012
Sey was a great Gentleman and someone my Mom and Dad while at Suntree very much enjoyed enjoying retirement together.
November 20, 2012
I was honored to have know such a great man..You will be missed..Alison Mushero
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