Deacon Dalhart T. Dobbs Sr.

Deacon Dalhart T. Dobbs, Sr., Ed.D Dalhart was born February 27, 1931 in Washington, Pa., a son of the late Jannetta (Eubank) Dobbs and the late Clifton Dobbs Sr. He was born into eternal life on October 19, 2009. Dr. Dobbs’ early Catholic education began at Immaculate Conception High School, Washington, Pa., where he received his diploma. He received his B.S.ED. from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, his M.S. in Counselor Education from Gannon University, his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Nova University his M.S. and Certificate of Advanced Studies from Fredonia SUNY. At the age of 69, Dr. Dobbs graduated his Theology studies to be ordained a Deacon of the Roman Catholic Church. He served in the U.S. Air Force and, upon his return, married the former Charlotte Newby and began a professional career as a teacher at Academy High School. Years later, Dr. Dobbs was honored by Mayor Louis J. Tullio for being Erie’s first African-American male teacher. He was an Upward Bound Instructor and Trainer for Adults in Education and a guidance counselor for minority undergraduates and potential high school dropouts. In addition, he was a University Instructor in communication for the disadvantaged at Gannon University. Dr. Dobbs retired from the Erie School District as the Director of Federal Programs and Special Projects. As former Director of the Erie Career Opportunities Program, he gained state and national recognition for his expertise in administering programs and coordinating services. Dr. Dobbs was also the Director of the Erie E.P.D.A. Program, where he provided technical assistance and other comprehensive services to both the PA Department of Education and Bank Street College. While Director of the ESAA and the Neutral Site Project for writing school curriculum, Dr. Dobbs received the COBBE Man of the Year Award. He also received a School Board commendation for his ability to coordinate services, programs and strategies to facilitate the efforts of school board members, administrators, teachers, parents and students. A prolific writer and dynamic speaker, Dr. Dobbs presented papers and gave addresses for many state and federal programs and conferences sponsored by such organizations as the PA Department of Education, the ESAA, Title I Parent’s Councils, the University of Pittsburgh’s General Assistance Center and the Education Commission of the United States. He served as a guest lecturer at several colleges and universities and as a consultant to school officials and parent/citizen groups in three states. The author of several articles and brochures, Dr. Dobbs has been the feature of newspaper articles and the guest speaker on many radio and television talk programs. He is the recipient of several humanitarian awards. In his community, Dr. Dobbs served as a member of several boards, committees and organizations, including: Board of Trustees for Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Booker T. Washington Center Board of Trustees, Martin Luther King Center Board of Trustees, Gannon University Board of Trustees, Penn State Behrend Agricultural Board of Trustees and Bishop’s Diocesan Christian Formation and Education Council. He was well sought after for his institutional, historical, educational and professional acumen and advice. As an active and faithful Roman Catholic, Dr. Dobbs’ life was ordered by God and centered in the Catholic Church. He was a member of the Serra Club and the Order of the Knights of Columbus in addition to his ordination as a Deacon of the Roman Catholic Church. He is preceded in death by two brothers; Gaylord L. and George E; three sisters; Ida J., Rose M. and Camilla A. Loving family members that mourn him and cherish his memory are his wife of 46 years Charlotte (Newby) Dobbs, his daughters, Stephanie Dobbs Lapine (Misha), Jennifer Dobbs Woods, Stacy Dobbs Camino (Daniel) and Sarah Dobbs all of Erie, Pa., sons; Dalhart Dobbs, Jr. (Dawn) of Cranberry, Pa., Dana Dobbs (Laura) of Chester, Md., Julius Jackson of Cleveland, Ohio, special son; Joe McBlain, two brothers, Clifton Dobbs Jr. (Jenny), Dr. Vernon D. Dobbs, a sister; Carmelita Dobbs, and her sister-in-law Magdolene Dobbs all of Erie, Pa. He leaves a host of grandchildren; Isabel and Dalhart III, Amanda, Emma and Stefan, Zoe, Raven, Felix and Sidney, Xavier, Roman and Isis, Jaida and Adia, Laines, Dalhart, Jasmine and Francisco, nieces, nephews and loved ones. Friends may call at the Burton Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 602 West 10th Street on Thursday from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. and are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. George Catholic Church, 5145 Peach Street on Friday at 1 p.m. with Msgr. Richard G. Mayer presiding. Private burial in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2115 West 38th Street, Erie PA 16508. Send flowers and condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com. Sign the guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.