James Dubowsky

James Dubowsky
James Dubowsky, Retired Plymouth Police Detective Sergeant, 63, of Terryville, beloved husband of Cindy (Luba) Dubowsky, passed away peacefully at St. Mary's Hospital Vitas Unit on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, surrounded by his family. Jim fought a short but courageous battle against ALS.
Jim was born in Bristol on November 13, 1961, and was the son of the late William and Pauline (Chesk) Dubowsky. Jim attended St. Stanislaus Elementary School in Bristol, graduated from Terryville High School and then went on to Northeastern University where he obtained his Paramedic Certificate in 1983. For several years he worked as a Paramedic for Waterbury Ambulance. In 1985, Jim became a member of the Plymouth Police Department, retiring in 2017. During his years of faithful service, he served as Patrol Officer, Supervisor, Grant Writer and Detective. Jim also was the department's first Certified Accident Reconstructionist. He also launched the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) recertification program for the Department and continued to assist with this program until earlier this year. In 1991, he was awarded a Life Saving Medal for helping to rescue residents from an apartment building fire. Jim was also recognized twice by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for his efforts to keep impaired drivers off the road. Public service was a true passion for Jim. This was evident as he has been a part of the Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance Corps since 1979. Jim was Certified as an Emergency Medical Service Instructor in Connecticut for many years. He has taught and mentored countless students. In 2023, Jim returned to Active duty with PVAC, serving his second term as Chief of Service. He thrived in this role, not only as the administrator, but also caring for patients in need. Earlier this month, Jim was honored by PVAC where they have dedicated their classroom facility as the "James Dubowsky Training Center." Jim was at heart, a family man, the greatest accomplishment in his life. He was so proud of his children, their spouses and an amazing Gramps to his grandson and soon to be arriving granddaughter. In his free time, you could find Jim fixing and renovating around not only his home, but the homes of his children. He loved to travel with Cindy to Illinois to see his son Scott, his wife Michelle and his little grandson Rowan James. Jim did not hesitate to drive to his daughter Katie's and son-in-law Dom's home to help out and even stay with Willow the grand puppy when needed. Jim's favorite "civilian uniform" was a hoodie in the cold weather and a baseball hat in warmer weather. He was a die-hard fan of the Doobie Brothers attending many concerts, a longtime fan of "Those Amazing Mets" and the Hartford Whalers, to which he had season tickets. Although he was not one to sit on the beach, Jim cherished the family's annual vacations to the Cape. He was a fan of Broadway plays, Phantom of the Opera and Hamilton being his favorites. Jim also enjoyed a round of golf, a good meal out, with a cold Jack and Ginger on the rocks, and a winning game of poker.
When it came to his family, James shined with extreme pride. He was always there for them. Besides his wife and best friend of 39 years, Cindy, James is survived by his two children, his son Scott and his wife Michelle of Urbana, IL and by his daughter Katie Folino and her husband Dominic of East Windsor. He was a doting Gramps to Rowan James and a soon to be arriving granddaughter Folino. Jim is also survived by his brother Robert Dubowsky and his wife Colleen of Bristol; sisters-in-law: Joan (Luba) Willinger and her husband Robb of New Jersey and Dawn Luba of Farmington. He is also survived by his "favorite aunt" Rose Dubowsky of Bristol, several nieces and nephews and cousins. Jim also leaves behind his PVAC family, who cared for and stood by him during his illness. He will be missed by two feline companions, Simba and Doc and a canine companion, Willow. James was also predeceased by his infant sister, Theresa.
Calling hours for James will be on Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Avenue Bristol, CT 06010. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Church, 510 West Street Bristol. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, 522 Terryville Ave., Bristol. The family politely requests that flowers are omitted, due to a family member with allergies. Donations may be made in Jim's Memory to either the Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance Corps., 191 Main St., Terryville, CT 06786 or to ALS United Connecticut, 4 Oxford Rd., Suite E4, Milford, CT 06460. Jim's family would like to express their sincerest thanks to the following for the kindness, compassion and support shown to them: Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Plymouth Police Department, Bristol Hospital EMS, Trinity EMS, Hatzalah Ambulance Service of Waterbury, the Physicians and Staff and Vitas Unit of St. Mary's Hospital, St. Francis HHospital, VNAHealth at Home and ALS United Connecticut. For directions or to leave a message for the family, please visit James' memorial page at www.FunkFuneralHome.com