John Philip "Jack" Dobkin

John P. ("Jack") Dobkin passed away on July 5, 2025, at the age of 83. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Barbara; their children Laurie Dobkin (Greg) McDermott and Joseph T. Dobkin; and their grandchildren Jonathan Dobkin, Morgan McDermott (Zachary) Shy, and Jackie McDermott. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Catherine Dobkin, his sister Sylvia, and his brother Benjamin.
Born on June 29, 1942, Jack was proud to call Wheeling his home for his entire life. He attended Peekskill Military Academy in New York, then returned home to attend Linsly Military Institute and Triadelphia High School. He joined his father Joe and, later, his brother Ben in the family business, Dobkin Bros., Inc. Jack helped grow Dobkin Bros. into the largest company of its kind in the Ohio Valley. With his warm demeanor and infectious laugh, Jack enjoyed sharing a beer with customers who became his friends. Jack's dedication and strategic acumen ultimately helped lay the groundwork for the state of West Virginia's Video Lottery program, which has since generated billions of dollars of revenue for the state.
In addition to his business endeavors, Jack will be remembered fondly for the love and generosity he showed to his family and friends. Jack relished bringing people together for celebrations including the annual family Christmas Eve party at the Dobkins' Elm Grove home. Jack and Barb, high school sweethearts, enjoyed a happy, loving marriage. Jack was just as content driving the country roads of his childhood as he was traveling the world, as long as Barb was by his side. Jack's family will forever treasure wonderful memories including sunny beach days in Hilton Head and Rehoboth, and boat rides on Deep Creek Lake with Jack at the helm. Jack was a constant, joyful presence in the lives of his grandchildren, sharing his pride in moments big and small, from school concerts and tennis matches to graduations and weddings.
Jack's friends will fondly remember his sense of humor and captivating storytelling abilities. Jack cherished lifelong friendships with Tom Quinn, Tony Figaretti, Bill Cooper, Skip Voight, and Mike Ferns, among many others. It is an understatement to say that Jack made friends everywhere he went, which resulted in, among other things, his being commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel – the highest title of honor bestowed by the state's governor. Here in Wheeling, Jack contributed to the community as a member of the Wheeling Elks Lodge, Cave Club, and Elm Grove Eagles.
Jack was one of those rare individuals whose charismatic personality lit up a room – making everyone feel better simply by being around him. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed. Jack enjoyed walking the trails and playing tennis at Oglebay; contributions can be made in his honor to the Oglebay Foundation. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery.