DOBINA, DONALD V.,
63, passed unexpectedly and peacefully Saturday, November 12, 2016.
Born in Canton, Ohio, Don leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Susan, daughter, Shae Beckwith (Mike), and son, Brad Dobina (Sarah) and granddaughter, Elin.
Don was president and CEO of MPC Promotions Company. His generosity and impact at work and in the community is legendary.
Don played semi-pro baseball for the Cleveland Indians, was recruited by Coach Lee Corso to play football at the University of Louisville and has remained a loyal UofL supporter for life. He was a gold medalist in volleyball at the Bluegrass Games, former President of the Louisville Swim Association, and an avid golfer. His passion was coaching girls' fastpitch softball. As founder & president of the Louisville Lady Sluggers Softball Club, his coaching prowess led to numerous national tournament wins and several national championships. Respected country-wide, he was National Coach of the Year in 2006. He has enabled hundreds of girls to attend college on softball scholarships at over 70 schools across the country. His influence and elevation of softball in the state of Kentucky was acknowledged with the presentation of the first Louisville Softball Spirit Award in 2010.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 18, 2016, 3-7 p.m. with a Final Tribute program at 7 p.m. at the Gheens Foundation Lodge, 1421 Beckley Creek Parkway (GPS alternative 1421 South Beckley Station Road). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Louisville Lady Sluggers 501(c)(3), 1120 Gilliland Road, Louisville, KY 40245

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Courier-Journal from Nov. 15 to Nov. 17, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Dobina

Sponsored by The Courier-Journal.

47 Entries

Judy Kasey Houlette

December 22, 2016

Susan,
I just read of your husband's passing, and am so very sorry. You and your family are in my heart and thoughts.
Judy Kasey Houlette (Friend for Life Cancer Support Network)

Eric Rider

November 30, 2016

Brad,

I am sorry to hear of your father passing away. I just happen to see an article about him in the sports page in the Courier Journal. I pray that you and your family are doing well in this difficult time.

November 20, 2016

Susan and family, our deepest condolences and may God's hand comfort you during this difficult time.
Doug & Susan Edwards and Danny & Marissa Edwards

November 19, 2016

Sending our deepest sympathies....

Debi & Tom Pavlik

Nancy & Don Heid

November 18, 2016

We're sorry we couldn't make it to the service today. Our hearts and prayers are with Susan and the Dobina Family.

Adrienne Sanabria

November 18, 2016

To The Dobina Family, our heart goes out to all of you. Coach Dobina was a very special person to All who has met him. Our daughter is a senior softball player at U of L and was invited to play with The Lady Sluggers when she was a Senior in high school. We are from NJ and The Dobina's made us feel like family. May God bless you and know Coach Dobina was loved by all. Love The Sanabria family from Williamstown NJ.

November 18, 2016

The memories of our slugger teams, the families and championships won are endless. What a ride the 2005 ASA National Championship win was for our girls taking the title on the Olympic field in Columbus GA! It all was priceless! Susan, you and Don were the heart of the organization, and we will be forever grateful for the experience. The Ski's

November 18, 2016

To all the entire Dobina family Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time . Im sorry I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Don but Im sure he was a fine man . Keep him close to your hearts and he will always be with you God Bless All of you !!

Danny & Gina Cole

Brian Gallagher

November 18, 2016

Rest In Peace oh great and faithful servant to the softball world. You leave a gigantic hole in so many hearts. Just a great, great man. May God bless his family and friends.

Katie Tipton Watts

November 17, 2016

Coach Dobina was one of a kind. There are really no words that can describe him or the loss to the softball community in his absence. We were nobodies, and Coach Dobina taught us how to be somebodies, and very special somebodies. His energy for life and for doing things the right way was tireless.

Susan ("Miss Muffin"),
Please know that Coach Dobina had a profound, profound impact on my life. In very foundational years of adolescence, he cultivated confidence, self-esteem, and tireless work ethic in me and in so so many others. I have no doubt that those lessons have contributed to where we are today. His loss is felt very deeply. In my most trying times, I still hear his words of encouragement to me and his words of affirmation...he was that kind of impactful. I very much appreciate all the time and effort that YOU spent with us, encouraging us, mothering us, and partnering with Coach Dobina to work such magic in our lives. We are mourning with you now, and the entire Slugger family is here for you. We are devastated for your loss, and our every thought and prayer is with you.

tim miller

November 17, 2016

so sorry to hear of dons passing.i grew up with don and went to school with him. he was a great friend growimg up.my condolences to his family

Katie Kavanaugh West

November 17, 2016

So sorry for your loss...he was such a great man.

Nat and Sandra Tolar

November 17, 2016

While we have been away from Louisville for many years this is such a shock. Our deepest sympathy to Susan, Shae and Brad in Don's passing. May God's Devine grace grant you comfort. Don enjoyed working with kids more than any man I ever knew.

November 17, 2016

We are so sorry for this sudden loss of Don. You are all in our thoughts and prayers for the comfort and support needed at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Bruce and Sue Ahrens

mandy butler

November 17, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. I am Wilda Yargers granddaughter . Your family is in our thoughts and prayers

Carey Rothbauer

November 17, 2016

Those who played for, competed against, coached with, lived or worked around Coach Dobina, know words cannot describe this loss.

If forced to use one word to associate with Don Dobina it would be "winner. It was a privilege to work closely with him for more than 15 years. He displayed a level of intensity, determination, humor, love and respect not often found. He combined that with a ridiculously effective manner of connecting with young people from any background to routinely work magic.

He, and his family, made immense sacrifices to help hundreds of young ladies play their game at the highest level and taught them to appreciate competition. From the early days of the Middletown Stars he worked non-stop to develop the Louisville Lady Sluggers into one of the premier fast pitch clubs in the country. In the process, he inspired several players to pursue careers in coaching, always emphasizing that they "do it for the right reasons".

Raise your DQ cup Coach You inspired many and they will never forget you. Susan, Shae and Brad.... thank you for sharing.

November 17, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

November 17, 2016

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. 1 Peter 5: 7

Ken Hartwick

November 17, 2016

So sorry to hear about Don's passing. I had the honor of knowing Don as a student and athlete at Perry.He was a real gentleman and friend to many. He will leave a big void in the Louisville community.RIP Don.

Dennis Jones

November 16, 2016

Don was a wonderful person. A great friend, coach,father and mentor to many. He had a generous heart and an infectious smile. He will be missed dearly. My deepest sympathies to Susan Brad and Shea . My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Michele Nickerson

November 16, 2016

Still can't believe it is true. I couldn't of ask for a better boss. Don will be deeply missed. Sending prayers to the Dobina family, friends and all my co-workers.

Tonya Grant

November 16, 2016

We are shaken and crushed by this sad news. Don did so much for so many girls developing them in the game of softball, but more importantly as young, strong, 'I can do anything I put my mind to', independent women! He taught them so much more than a game and his lessons will live with them for their lifetime. Through the process we became friends who hold him and Susan with utmost respect. Carl and I are very appreciative parents for the sacrifices made for the benefit of our daughter!

November 16, 2016

What a great person and first cousin Don was,we had lots of laughs. Thoughts and prayers to the family. God's Speed Don.

Don, Sue,& Dan Yarger
East Fultonham,Ohio 43735

Jamie Kelly-Lindsey

November 16, 2016

Don was an inspiration and outstanding soul. We will carry him in our hearts forever. There are no words that can express the deep sadness we feel for the Dobina family. He touched so many people with kindness and love. God bless you Don for all you did.

November 16, 2016

We at the EC Bullets were very sad to hear of Don's passing this week, and all of us in the fastpitch world will miss him immensely. We just played each other here in Atlanta on Nov. 5, and had many laughs (as we always did) during the game. Don was a terrific person who not only taught his young players how to play the game, but also what life is all about. I remember seeing him in NYC this past July, and he was complaining about his teams' performance....and 3 days later the Sluggers finished SECOND out of 90 teams! He knew how to motivate and coach. May God be with him.
Greg Schnute, EC Bullets; Atlanta, GA

Whitney Valentine

November 16, 2016

Coach Dobina was definitely one of a kind! I have a constant reminder of your love for softball as I wear our 2005 ASA National Championship ring on my finger each and everyday! I appreciate everything you and your wife Susan did for me! Thank you for all the great softball memories as a Louisville Lady Slugger! The Valentine family sends prayers to your beautiful family during this difficult time!

November 16, 2016

I will always remember Don as such a fun guy who got the most out of anything he did. We send our condolences to Susan and family. Godspeed Don*

Karen Noggle

Steve & Debbie Dopuch

November 16, 2016

We have such fond memories of working with Don and his family many years ago in Middletown. Don and Susan demonstrated an important lesson to us all which can be summarized by wisdom borrowed from Yogi Berra: "Girls softball is a very good thing because it keeps the parents off the streets."

On behalf of the Dopuch family and all of Rainbows team and parents, we send our heartfelt condolences to the Dobina family. We pray for God's blessings and protection for your family. Godspeed to you, Don. We'll see you in the dugout.

Cheryl Carter-Ellis

November 16, 2016

My sincere sympathies to all of Don's loved ones. I worked with Don in the late 70's and early 80's at Republic Steel in the Accounting Department. I'm very sorry.

Gary & Andi Belles

November 16, 2016

It is so sad to hear of Don's passing...we became friends at Republic Steel and enjoyed playing basketball and softball together and we made several trips to Louisville to watch the Cards play basketball...our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family...

Russell Asmus

November 16, 2016

I remember Don as a great athlete and always smiling.
He was an outstanding person and I want to send condolences to Don's family.

Rod Strata

November 16, 2016

My sincere condolences and sympathy to the Dobina Family. Don was well respected by all and myself growing up in Perry Township.

Denny Lenartowicz

November 16, 2016

It is said that when you pass you go to a better place. This man made this place outstanding. We will see you again Don. My sympathy to you entire family.

Richard King

November 16, 2016

My condolences to the Dobina family. We are sorry for your loss. That great kid from high school obviously grew into a great man.

RJ/Bob and Sue McCullagh

November 15, 2016

Susan and Family,

We are so terribly sorry to hear about Don. Sue called me while I was on the road returning from visiting relatives in Maryland and we are still both in shock. We will always remember our wonderful lake neighbor. Sending all of you our thoughts and prayers to sustain you in this difficult time.

Missy Alford

November 15, 2016

So very sad to read this and really find it hard to believe.Don was so amazing to my daughter Paige and we will always be gratful for his kindness. May you be at peace

Tim Steele

November 15, 2016

Double D was truly one of the most generous people I've ever met. He was always positive and always had a smile on his face. I loved talking about his softball team with him and seeing his face light up and how much passion he had not only for that but for life in general. I feel prevaledged to be able to call Don Dobina my friend.

November 15, 2016

You were an amazing man Coach Dobina

Gary Hufstetler

November 15, 2016

I was so sorry to hear of Don's passing. We played basketball and baseball together throughout high school. He was a great Friend and Leader. My sincere condolences to all of Don's Family. He will truly be missed.

Jeff Hambach

November 15, 2016

So sorry to hear about Don, what a terrific person. My condolences to Susan and The Dobina Family.

Janice Kent Phelps

November 15, 2016

You will be sadly missed, Don. I remember the good times when we were at Perry high school when especially during AV study hall. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers . ❤

Chad Moran

November 15, 2016

Coach Dobina...even though I was never part of the Sluggers organization I have a huge amount of respect for what you and your organization has done...As someone who loves our great state and our great sport...Thank You!!

I will miss our Bandit/Sluggers games!!!

Rip coach
Chad Moran
Beverly Bandits

Chancellor Dugan

November 15, 2016

So sorry for your loss Susan!! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Bellarmine Women's Basketball

November 15, 2016

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Showing 1 - 47 of 47 results