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David DOOMAN Obituary
DOOMAN, David S.
David S. Dooman, 83, the husband of Jean E. (Massey) Dooman for over 60 years died on Thursday, (July 11, 2013) at Manchester Memorial Hospital. Dave was born in New Britain the son of the late Samuel and Michelle (Pasha) Dooman and made his home in Bolton for over 55 years. Dave served in the US Army during the Korean War and was a lifetime member of the Army and Navy Club in Manchester. Dave's passion and professional career in physical education and sports coaching touched many young people's lives. These students went on to become lifelong friends. He began teaching in 1956 at Barnard School, which would later become Bennett Jr. High, as a science teacher for his first four years and then started his career as a physical education teacher, where he continued until his retirement in 1989. In his retirement years he worked at Tallwood Country Club. An active basketball and softball ref and umpire he was a thirty year member of both the IAABO and ASA. He was a founding and lifelong member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In 1992 he was inducted into the Manchester Sports Hall of Fame for his contribution to Manchester's sports culture and successes. Dave was past president of the Army and Navy Golf League and was a member of the Retired Teachers Assoc. of Manchester. Besides his wife, Dave is survived by his children Kyle Dooman of Columbia, Carrie Pajor and husband Mark of Glastonbury and Clifford Dooman and his wife Shannon of Annapolis, MD, his grandchildren Matthew and Lauren Dooman, Jaclyn and Ryan Pajor and Sam Dooman, also a loving cousin, Doris Hoffenberg of Glastonbury. He was also predeceased by his brother Jim Dooman and his sister Gladys Jacynowicz.
Family and friends may call at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center St., Manchester on Thursday July 18 from 4 - 8. Funeral service will be private. In lieu of flowers, Dave's family suggests memorial donation be made, in his name, to the Manchester Scholarship Foundation, 20 Hartford Rd., Manchester, CT 06040. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David DOOMAN
Sharon Flavell Rickard
July 8, 2025
Dave was a good friend of my mother´s, Marge Adamy!
They were rec. department buddies!
I knew Dave as the gym teacher at Bennet. He was always friendly to me, of course I never had him as my gym teacher!
He truly was a legend!!!
Paul Molinari
July 8, 2025
Mr. Dooman was tough on us but fair. But considering the times, he needed to be to prepare us for tough times and war. I do not regret one minute of his classes.
Pati Lewis
July 8, 2019
His spirit lives on in those he touched. Bless you
clifford watts
May 8, 2019
love gym class with him learn my rules red shorts white tee shirts last name on inner jock trap . hes was a good gym teacher if you had promblem he make you run whole class he was cool he made me alot better at listen and comans i thank him for everthing he thouht me god bless him .
Brent Griswold
December 10, 2018
Dave shaped my life like no other person ever had. Miss you my friend.
Brent C. Griswold
Bill Cannon
June 21, 2014
I was reading a few of the condolences here. I was one of the "lucky" ones that had him for 2 years. He actually had us write a report in Gym class. One was on the Olympics and I cant remember the other. Hey it was almost 50 years ago. Wow, that's scary. My point is, he was really a good teacher, even though at that time I was, shall we say, less than enthused about days with gym class. Frozen hair. I could go on but this is not really the place. I was no athlete but he was good for me. RIP Mr. Dooman, you put up with a lot from us and made our lives better. Even if, it did take years to realize it.
B.C.
Russell Herbrt
December 8, 2013
I just learned of Mr Dooman's passing. Please accept my deepest sympathies. Dave was an icon among us Manchester athletes who experienced him at Bennett Jr. High School. Short in physical stature, he towered in moral stature. he was an incomparable mentor who taught me self-discipline and challenged me to believe in myself and push myself beyond my perceived limitations during my years on the Bennett Jr. High Track Team; and earning his respect was one of my most satisfying memories. I would not have accomplished what I did without the no nonsense, "no excuse" foundation he laid for me. I will miss him.
Bernie Alemany
September 14, 2013
Mr. Dooman was a great teacher not just about sports, but about life and being a man. I still talk about my experiences with him till this day. He will be missed.
Kevin Moran
August 18, 2013
This morning I parked my Harley in front of Bennet,sat on a bench and took time to think about how lucky "WE" all were to have had our lives touched by Mr.Dooman.I LOVE you Dave and will never forget what you did for all of us.
August 9, 2013
Kyle,
Sorry I'm so late. Your dad was a classic & someone I was very lucky to meet at an early stage in my career. He showed me how education continues outside the school. We just don't make legends like him anymore!
Peace,
Bill DiYeso
Kim Bushey
July 29, 2013
Simply one of the best teachers I ever had and one that I will never forget. I was lucky enough to see Mr. Dooman at a track meet at Manchester High a few years back and he hadn't changed a bit. What a guy!!! My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Dooman and his family.
Ed T
July 29, 2013
I had Mr Dooman as a phys ed teacher for 3 years at Bennett JH. He inspired us all do do our best at all times. He will be greatly missed by the all the sports he umpired. BJH class of 69.
Keith Bagley
July 23, 2013
For those of us fortunate enough to have Mr Dooman for Gym ('63 - '66) he molded our definitions of what it is to be tough and fair, qualities he exemplified as a teacher, and on Saturday nights at the Teen Center and when reffing. Thank you for caring and passing on these crucial lessons.
John Mariani
July 20, 2013
Kyle,
Just receiving news of your father's passing. From your many stories about him I know how much you loved and respected him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bill Hilinski
July 20, 2013
Mr. Dooman was truly one of the best people I was lucky enough to know while growing up in Manchester in the 1960's. He was a good man.
ALAN RODONIS
July 19, 2013
Time has taken my friend Mr. Dooman, the most genuine person I have ever met. you shall be missed, but NEVER forgotten
Paul Krinjak
July 19, 2013
To the Dooman family.It saddens me at the passing of a great man and in reading all the great story's it just makes me so thankful at having known him and like so many others have said, he made you a better person by teaching you respect and tough love which my daughter as benefited from and so will my grandsons. His legacy will live on in my heart and the hearts of my family forever and you will be truly missed by all.
The Krinjak Family
Dave & Pat Brannick
July 18, 2013
Very sad news. We knew Mr. Dooman (later Dave)for many years, in many capacities. He was a great guy and will be sorely missed by all. Dave was one of those people that really touched the lives of others and if he knew you had a friend for life. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dave and his family.
John Mainville
July 18, 2013
He is one of the BEST people I have ever met in my life to help start me off in the right direction. The Mainville's will always be fond of him.
Bob Baniszewski
July 18, 2013
Dooman Family:
I am very sorry for your loss. David was a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time.
July 18, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss, David will be deeply missed. I am thankful that he is no longer suffering. My prayers are with the family.
Karen Thompson Bate, FL
Matthew Vaughn
July 17, 2013
I was lucky enough to have him as a teacher in 7th grade and 9th grade. As many have touched on already, he was someone you instantly feared as a 7th grade boy, but that fear turned quickly into respect and ultimately that respect turned into admiration. I know I never had another teacher who taught me how to be a man so young, and who treated me like a man by the time I left Bennet. I saw him many times after that at various locales and he was always kind and happy to see me. I am sad to hear that he is gone, RIP Mr. Dooman!
Lorraine Bruckner/Nelson
July 17, 2013
Such sad news today. Scared to death of him as a teacher, but loved him after graduation. He kept us in line. Over the past 20 years I've grown to really appreciate Mr. Dooman. Rest in Peace.
Rick Diamond
July 17, 2013
Mr. Dooman will be remembered by all who had him as one of the best teachers any of us ever had. It was no surprise that our class voted him teacher of the year. In addition to learning about sports, we learned about respect and discipline. I can still remember one of his famous quotes from the first day in his class "Everyone's entitled to make a mistake, you just made yours for the year". No one knew if he was kidding, but we all got the message.
I also had the pleasure of knowing him a few years later, as an umpire when I played in a softball league.
Dave Dooman made a lasting impression on all of his students. My condolences go out to his family.
July 17, 2013
Mr. Dooman will be surely missed. He was tough but really cared. His exercise routines prepared guys for the military. I'm told boot camp was just like his class.
Best gym teacher ever.
God bless Mr. Dooman.
Ron Masse, class of '72
Chickey Balesano Barrera
July 17, 2013
I will never forget Dave, what a wonderful man .......I never had him as a teacher, but have heard so many stories about him. We have had many conversations though out the years ....he was a funny man. I know everyone that had him, respected him and was glad he came into their lives RIP Dave, your time with us has made a difference in so many lives!!!! God Bless
Steve Sossin
July 16, 2013
A 'STELLAR' human being who turned my life around by a simple act of kindness when I was a troubled 14 yr. old kid at Bennett Jr. High in 1970-71'
Bob Hawkes
July 16, 2013
Mr. Dooman was one of those teachers/ coaches/mentors that you'll always remember. He pushed me beyond the levels that I thought possible and I'm a better person for that today. I remember him fondly
Christophere ferrante
July 16, 2013
I remember your message of "You can't do
it ,if you think you can't!"
Carl Girelli
July 16, 2013
My sincerest condolences to the family of Mr.Dooman. He was the embodiment of tough love, both in equal and abundant measure.
July 16, 2013
Dear Dooman family: Mr. D was in his first year of teaching in 1956 when our class of 7th graders entered the school. I remember him disciplining us by making us do exercises beside our desks in homroom. I'd see him around town in Manchester over the years & we'd always say hello -
July 15, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Laurene Delano
July 15, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Dooman family.
I never had him for a teacher, but will always remember the my first time I meet him. He was a teacher to my brothers and I walked into the cafeteria and he came to me and said he knew my brothers and I never even told him who they were. He told me they were good young men and I will never forget that. Everytime I saw him after that he would always say hello and ask how I was. Great man and teacher.
Sherry Sylvain
July 15, 2013
My prayers are with Kyle and the dooman family. I had you dad at Bennett went we went co-Ed a little scary but nonetheless many memories, god bless you all and may he rest in peace. 84-86
July 15, 2013
My prays go out to the Dooman family, Mr Dooman was a man of men, he taught many kids tough love, he will be remembered and missed by many. Rest in peace Mr Dooman.
Daniel Delano 71-73 gym class
Wendy Warren
July 15, 2013
My deepest sympathies to the Dooman family. I remember our families being friends many years ago. My thoughts are with you.
July 15, 2013
To Mr. Dooman's family, I'm really sorry for your loss. Mr. Dooman was my science teacher in 7th grade, so that must say something about my age. But this is not about me, It's about a man that earned my respect as well as others. He was a great teacher, and later a gym teacher, who taught my boys. He will be missed by a lot of people. Cecile (Jean) Johnson, Marysville, Wa.
Sue Harmon
July 15, 2013
Kyle and Carrie and the Dooman family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies.
Sue Harmon
jim stratton
July 15, 2013
Rest in Peace Mr. Dooman. I was his assistant for two years in Junior High School and he left an impression on me that I was able to relate to so many when times were difficult. Don't ever say you can't do it. You may not be able to do it well, but you can do it. He was tough on the lazy kids, but they were heavily praised when they tried and I am sure he changed many lives!
Cliff (TUNES) Stratton
July 15, 2013
Mr. Dooman,
You were an inspiration and devoted teacher that will always be remembered fondly. You made phys ed fun and always pushed for us to do our best. God Bless and May you rest in peace.
Michael Hayden
July 15, 2013
A nice man...he taught self-respect by showing and teaching that anything is possible with effort and fortitude....I think of him often.. I'm glad I got to know him as an adult and was able to share with him that I became a teacher.....a small gift for a great influence...RIP MR. Dooman.....
Bill Zerio
July 15, 2013
Mr.Dooman you will be missed
And always appreciated thank you for being part of my life
July 15, 2013
You made me strive to be my best. Thank you!
Jason Lazzaris
July 15, 2013
Mr. Dooman, I am a better person for having been under you tutelage.
Thank You and RIP
Marc Beaulieu
July 15, 2013
Mr. Dooman was one of the greatest teachers I had ever had! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family-
Tom Janenda
July 15, 2013
Rest in Peace, Mr. Dooman. Thank you for your service to the country and for the huge, positive impact you had on me and so many other young people in Manchester. I still stand up a little straighter when I think of you!
George Lata
July 15, 2013
I remember those days in his gym class and I still tell stories of him. He was a legend.. Taught us kids discipline and respect.. I own a gym and still practice what he taught.. He will always be remembered..
Carl Stafford
July 15, 2013
Kyle, I look back on my Bennet days fondly and your father was definitely a part of it. Kindest sympathy for your loss.
Wells Jacobson
July 15, 2013
My sympathy to the family of a wonderful man and a teacher who deeply touched the lives of countless thousands of Manchester's youth. To this day Dave's name is brought up in conversation more than any other teacher that I have known-- and with great respect and admiration.
I had the pleasure of seeing Dave professionally over many years to treat the ailments of an aging jock. I have recounted many times with sadness the day Dave told me that "I'm out". He said that the educational system had changed and would no longer permit him to teach his way. He said, "imagine me in a class or a cafeteria and not being able to raise my voice or grab a kid shooting spitballs. The world has passed me by".
Dave didn't scar any youth. He did instill a bit of fear and a great sense of discipline. He also instilled a respect for effort whatever a child's actual ability. Dave made students grasp a sense of fairness and personal honor that is reflected by many in the writings on these pages.
More than ever we as a culture need men, teachers and mentors such as Dave Dooman. May he rest in well deserved peace and may his family gain solace from the knowledge that he was value added to the lives of the multitude he touched-- and I am one of these.
Wells Jacobson
Melon Helberg
July 15, 2013
Kyle,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Melon Helberg
Keeney Street School
Rachael Coax
July 15, 2013
I had Mr Dooman for phys ed in 1987, he taught everything one needed to know about basketball and Dr James Naismith... RIP
Kimberly (Uccello) Brown
July 15, 2013
27 years ago I had the privilege of having Mr. Dooman as my gym teacher at Bennett. Not only was he an outstanding teacher, he was a great friend to my grandfather (Swede Solomonson). He taught us lessons about life, to love sports and to always give 100% effort no matter what the task was.
Mr. Dooman, you touched my life along with thousands of others. You are one, that I will never forget. Rest in peace.
My condolences to the entire Dooman family.
Andrew Massey
July 15, 2013
Dear Jean, Carrie, Kyle and Cliff,
I have the utmost respect for your Husband, Dad, Uncle David. He was always a strong and positive influence in my life and a pillar of strength, an honorable man who served this country, and community proudly. I love the stories we shared about time in the service and I will miss him a lot.
He was tough, but fair; a disciplined man of exemplary character! Rest in Peace, David!
Frank Lea
July 15, 2013
During the three years of Jr. High PE I had Mr. Doorman for all three. He taught you more than exercise and sports, he taught you respect. Respect for yourself and to others. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. Sorry for your loss, he was a great person who impacted a lot of people.
Michelle Hartley
July 15, 2013
Praying for peace and healing of broken hearts for all the family.
John Samiotis
July 15, 2013
I was blessed to have Mr Dooman as my Phys Ed teacher. He had me do things that inside , I believed I could not do. I remember his smile when I jumped off the top of a step ladder and did a tuck and roll. You made a difference Mr Dooman. You are loved and respected by so many. To the entire Dooman family, I extend my condolences, and offer my prayers to you, and your loved ones.
richard lachapelle
July 15, 2013
to of the best teacher i ever had . we will be miss
Rick Small
July 15, 2013
You were the best Mr. Dooman, I still remember the gym classes at Charter Oak Park back in the 70's. I also remember what happened if you forgot your gym bag on gym day. :-)
Patrick Gauruder
July 14, 2013
Mr Dooman,
Thank you!!! I was nervous my first day in your gym class. I am proud to have had you as my gym teacher. I appreciated your tough nosed style. I thank you for helping me to understand discipline, structure, and order at a time when I most needed it. I remember the towel, shorts, socks, t-shirt, and jockstrap with our last name written in black marker. I remember watching others run because, they had not simply reported to you in the morning to let you know they had left something home. I thank you for always being fair. Kids today NEED teachers like you that help instill discipline, confidence, respect, and most of all a desire not to quit when things get tough. The world has turned soft, you wouldn't let us quit. Thank you! I haven't seen you in twenty years but, I have thought of you with respect and fondness for the things you taught me.
Sincerely,
Patrick Gauruder
July 14, 2013
Mr. Doorman,
Thank you! I remember how nervous I was my first day in your gym class. I appreciate the discipline, structure, and order you helped bring into my life. You helped me develop confidence in my abilities as an athlete, student, and human being. Your rigid style was for a greater purpose. Some didn't recognize it until later in life.......I saw it then and it made me worker harder not to let you down. Kids today have need for teachers like you. We are fostering a generation of spoiled brats with no respect for anyone. They are done a huge disservice. I have not seen you in twenty years but, I have thought of you often with fondness. Thank you! You have my respect!! My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Sincerely,
Patrick Gauruder
Willie Simon
July 14, 2013
I am very proud to have had you as my Uncle you were a good man <3
Pati Lewis
July 14, 2013
You gave so much of yourself to all of your students and we learned respect from you to take on our journeys to adulthood. I am so proud to have had you in my life.
Kenneth Groves
July 14, 2013
Rest In Peace my old friend. You were such a large part of making me a man. Thank you.
Paul Molinari
July 14, 2013
I had Dave Dooman as a Phs Ed instructor at Bennet Jr. High in the mid 1960's. . . while he was tough, he was fair and presented a tool we would need in life. . the drive to stick to anything we started and follow through. . . RIP and may God Baless
Robert Russell
July 14, 2013
You were a hard but fair teacher. You saw potential in even the most difficult students. Outside of school you became a friend and a mentor. In my case not in sports, but in life.
Farewell friend.
Rick Scagnelli
July 14, 2013
I cannot begin to say how much I respected this man.......by far the best teacher I have ever had......pushed us hard and gaves us much to be proud of at the end......RIP Mr Dooman I salute you!!!
Pam Willis (Harmon)
July 14, 2013
Sorry to hear of Mr. Dooman's passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you can find comfort with each other and all the people's lives that were touched by Mr. Dooman
Patti LaFlamme Levy
July 14, 2013
My sincere sympathy to the family.
Scott Finni
July 14, 2013
Bennett Jr. High (80-82) - I heard horror stories about how strict Mr. Dooman was and to a young man in his gym class he certainly was intimidating. However, beneath the rough exterior was a teacher that CARED for his students and wanted them to succeed and help build strong character. Many years later in the military when I had to dig deep during physical training I could hear his force telling me not to give up. I had the utmost respect for him and he will truly be missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to his entire family, friends and innumerable students he influenced over the years for their loss.
Russell Aceto
July 14, 2013
You will be missed. Teacher...friend.
Heaven has a new instructor.
Lisa Campbell
July 14, 2013
I will always remember my school years at Bennet Jr High with much fondness. There were a lot of great teachers there who shaped so many lives and Mr. Dooman was one of them. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends.
Jim Quaglia
July 14, 2013
To the Dooman Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss. Mr. Dooman was known and respected by so many people over the years. He had a very large impact for many who were lucky enough to have crossed his path. He will be remembered by all of us but never forgotten by any of us.
Bob Wasserman
July 14, 2013
Mr. Dooman was our teacher but I always remember him as a good friend. Rest in peace.
jim wood
July 14, 2013
rip kyle sorry for your loss. and your family
Scott Perry
July 14, 2013
Rest in Peace, Mr. Dooman. It's been almost 35 years, but your lessons on Life, Sports, and "giving your best effort", have stayed with me.
My condolences to the entire Dooman family, friends, and the many, many students whose lives have been touched and shaped by this unique, wonderful teacher.
Ed Budanauro
July 14, 2013
To the Dooman family your loss is shared by thousands Mr Dooman shaped my life as my own father did; my respect and admiration for this educator is boundless, he help me in all phases of my life. Thank you Mr. Dooman, you are an American Hero to me
Audrey DeBlasio
July 14, 2013
Kyle and Carrie and the Dooman family,
So very sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies,
The DeBlasio family
E"Lisa Carlin
July 14, 2013
I'm sending my deepest condelences and prayers to Mr. Dooman's family he was an amazing guy and I won't ever forget. I am so sorry for your loss.
Marc Tanguay
July 14, 2013
I am truly saddened by the passing of one of the most memorable and influential teachers I ever had the pleasure of getting knowledge from. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Dave You truly taught Me more than just Dr. James A. Naismith invented basketball. You taught Me discipline, confidence and integrity and for that I thank You. May You rest in peace.
John Rivosa
July 14, 2013
My sincere condolences to all the Dooman Family. Dave ie Mr Dooman is one of the reasons I think I became a better man he taugh me alot. He was a great person, it saddens me very much to hear of his passing. God bless you all.
Dina Krupen- Epstein
July 14, 2013
Mr Dooman was a fixture in the Manchester School System. He taught many of us not Only Sports and Physical Education but far more importantly Respect and Character.... Death Leaves Heart Ache that No One can heal... Love leaves Memories that No One Can Steal...
John Warren
July 14, 2013
sorry to hear about Daves passing, he was a wonderful man and a great sports official.
Bob Parizeau
July 14, 2013
My condolences to Dave's family. Having umpired with Dave for many years, and enjoying his friendship, he will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
Bernardine Rankin-Bombardier
July 14, 2013
My prayers with all the family. If there were more people like him in the world it would be a much better place. (Bennet Jr. High class of 71-72)
Mike Adams
July 14, 2013
Dave Dooman was a friend to so many Manchester folks, and a truly unforgettable man. Met him at Bennett in 1968, and saw him in December 2011 at Shady Glen. RIP Mr. Dooman, and thoughts to his family.
Paul & Lynn Accarpio
July 14, 2013
Kyle and Family:
Please accept our sincere sympathy. Dave was a caring, wonderful friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Craig Coleman
July 14, 2013
I had Dave as a gym teacher and so did my brother Marc, we both owe him alot for helping us grow up. God Rest His Soul.
Jack Hughes
July 14, 2013
After all these years, I still called him Mr.Dooman. Please accept my condolences.
James Anderso
July 14, 2013
In September of 1961, I became one of the students mentioned in Dave's obituary. I respected him from the first day we met, and went on to become one of his friends. He truly will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. A wonderful man!
July 14, 2013
I remember Dave as being a close personal friend of my father (Earl Yost) He was a class act. May his soul rest in peace. Dean Yost, Ellington,Ct.
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