David Dolbin Jr.

1932 - 2017

David A. Dolbin, Jr.
Shippensburg
David A. Dolbin, Jr, 85, passed October 3, 2017. He was born March 20 1932 in Harrisburg, son of Josephine (Saurman) Dolbin and David A. Dolbin Sr. He was preceded in death by his younger sister, Joann Hoyer (Dolbin) in 2004; and his younger brother, Michael Dolbin in 2011.
He was married to his cherished wife, Margaret (Welker) Dolbin, in Mount Union in 1957. They raised two children, Beth Ann (Dolbin) Radcliffe and Steven Michael Dolbin.
A recognized university educator, administrator and coach he was a former Dean of Men (1963-1992) at Shippensburg State College. He was Shippensburg University's first Dean of Students, from 1975 until his retirement in 1992 as a Full Professor. As an administrator, he expertly guided Shippensburg State College and Shippensburg University and it's students through an era of vast cultural and educational change with innovation and dedication. A leader in the field of Student Personnel, he mentored countless current and past university professionals. As well as a significant record of academic accomplishments, he also successfully served as head football coach from 1964-1971. In this capacity he helped design Seth Grove Stadium and lent his experience to anticipating and preparing the university for a modern era of student centered athletics. Upon retirement, he was awarded the prestigious Scott Goodnight Award from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.
Dean Dolbin earned a Master's Degree in student affairs at Penn State University in 1970 and his undergraduate degree at West Chester University in 1954. Before coming to Shippensburg, he served as a teacher and coach at Cumberland Valley High School (teacher and assistant football coach) 1956-1957, Mount Union High School (teacher and head football and wrestling coach) 1957-1960 and John Harris High School (teacher and head football coach) 1960-1963. While at John Harris his teams were city championships in both 1960 and 1961. In 1961 his football team won the central Pennsylvania Conference Championship with an undefeated record of 10-0. He was named Coach of the Year in both 1960 and 1961.
An outstanding athlete most of his life, he played football, basketball and baseball while attending Lower Paxton High School. He was co-captain of the football team and was named 1st team as a tight end to the Lower Susquehanna Conference All-Star Team his senior year. He then went on to play football at West Chester State College where he was a four-year letterman and co-captain under legendary coach Glenn Kilinger. From 1954 through 1956 he served in the United States Army as a sergeant, competing a tour of duty in Keflicjk, Iceland. While in the service, he played on the Fort Carson football team. In 1955 he was drafted by the NFL Philadelphia Eagles as a linebacker, but his love of teaching and coaching lead him to pursue a career in higher education. After a successful career as a public school teacher he went on to a professional life in university and college education.
In 1992 he was inducted into the South Central Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. In 1994 he was inducted into the West Chester Athletic Hall of Fame.
He was an active member in Christ United Methodist Church in Shippensburg and the South Central Pennsylvania chapter of the Sports Hall of Fame and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.
In his later years, he continued to compete athletically, running in many marathons including the New York and Marine Marathons. An outdoorsman all of his life he greatly enjoyed hiking, boating and fishing throughout the United States and Canada.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Margaret; his children, Beth Ann (Dolbin) Radcliffe and Steven Michael Dolbin; daughter in-law, Robin Ann (Howells) Dolbin; and his grandchildren, Trent Radcliffe, Reece Dolbin and Collin Dolbin. All reside in Shippensburg. He will be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather.
A memorial service will be held in the Old Main Chapel at Shippensburg University on Friday, November 10 from 2 to 4 PM.
Memorial contributions can be made to the David and Margaret Dolbin Educational Scholarship through the Shippensburg University Foundation or the Alzheimer's Association.