Dolph Du Mont

1927 - 2015

Dolph Du Mont Dec. 12, 1927 - Nov. 16, 2014 Dolph passed away peacefully at home in Fort Lauderdale, surrounded by loving family. His ashes were spread in the ocean off Fort Lauderdale on December 7, 2014, following a ceremony on board USCGC Margaret Norvell (WPC 1105), U.S. Coast Guard 154 foot fast response cutter. A life-long learner, Dolph became an Eagle Scout at age 14; graduated Evanston Township HS, Evanston, IL; undergraduate degree in Economics from University of Wisconsin-Madison, and played collegiate golf on UW Badger Men's Golf Team. Graduate studies in International Trade at Universidad Javeriana, Bogot¿, Colombia; in 2010, at age 81, received MBA from Florida Atlantic University, in recognition of high scholastic achievement selected for membership in Beta Gamma Sigma international honor society for collegiate schools of business. Dolph's book collection includes all of the classics, he often stayed up all night reading and re-reading the worn and weathered pages. Although he spoke four languages, he was a man of few words. His most powerful form of communication was what family and friends call "the Du Mont look" - a gaze so powerful it reduced snooty waiters to sniveling idiots. Dolph loved to drive fast cars, pilot airplanes, restore 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air automobiles, and sail his beloved sailboat, Soliloquy, a Rhodes ketch. He owned and flew a Mooney MK21 Aerobatic airplane, held a U.S. Coast Guard 500-ton Oceans license, and crewed on the 4000 mile last leg of the 1994 Whitbread Round the World Race at age 68. Dolph finished the 1960 Sebring Formula Race Car Marathon to a standing ovation from the finish line spectators. He did not win that race, but crossed the finish line by pushing his disabled race car the last four miles in order to qualify as an official finisher. Dolph did not give up - ever. Dolph's love of sailing on lakes and oceans began as a lifeguard on Chicago's Lake Michigan. He joined the Navy during World War II as a Navy Radio Teletype Operator and Salvage Diver, participating in the clean-up of Pearl Harbor; in 1948 nominated to take entrance exam for U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD; earned American Theatre Campaign Medal, Atlantic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War Two Victory Medal and Navy Occupation Medal. Dolph began his career with Francoeur and Company, New York, NY, as foreign representative to Mexico, Central and South America, and Cuba. He owned MIA Motors, New York, NY, and raced cars as the MIA Motors team. Working over 13 years as a business consultant in profit improvement for Alexander Proudfoot Company of Chicago, he logged more than a million miles in the air before commercial jets, and in his lifetime traveled to more than 100 countries. President of Universal Scheduling Applications, Bala Cynwyd, PA, until 1972, when he formed Manadu Corporation, Fort Lauderdale, Florida - an international management consulting firm, remaining actively involved as chairman until his death. Management consultants are seldom popular people. Dolph was hung in effigy by employees of a Canadian steel and coal company. Under his direction the company experienced a painful reorganization, as he returned the company to profitability, Dolph was welcomed back by the grateful community. Dolph is listed in Who's Who in the World, but was far more interested in South Florida. He was a director and treasurer of Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council, Navy League National Director, past president Navy League Fort Lauderdale Council, founding director USO of Greater Fort Lauderdale, founder and Chairman Emeritus International Business Council of South Florida. A director of British American Chamber of Commerce, New World Aquarium, American Lung Association, National Week of the Ocean, cofounder Fort Lauderdale International Wine Fair, Cha¿ne des R¿tisseurs. Member Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, Sigma Chi, American Cancer Society, Opera Society, American Professional Captains Association, Joshua Slocum Society, chair Rolls Royce Parade fundraiser benefitting Nova Southeastern University, chairman Lone Sailor Statue Dedication at Riverwalk Esplanade Park. In March 2014, Dolph was recognized by City of Fort Lauderdale Proclamation as Lauderdale Harbors community pioneer, resident since 1958. Additional memberships included Lago Mar, Club of 110 Tower, Tower Club, Ocean Reef Property Owners, and Ocean Reef Club. Dolph was predeceased by parents Adolph J. Du Mont and Mary B. McKenty, two sisters Selina Lyons and Rose Grace, and first wife Mary Jane Burns (deceased 1971). On November 16, 2014, after a six month bout with cancer, Dolph told Pat it was "time for me to die." He left this world peacefully three hours later. Dolph was 86 years and 11 months of age and is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Patricia Du Mont; two daughters Cathy (Dan) Mihaich of Cazenovia, NY, and Selina (Shelby III) Smith of Fort Lauderdale, FL, four grandchildren Shelby IV and Shannon Smith, Dustin and Darren Mihaich, family Doberman Pinscher Rocky, two sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews. The family extends deepest gratitude to Angela Madden, M.D., David Lessen, M.D., RN Conny Demetz, Holy Cross Hospital, the Captain and Crew of USCGC Margaret Norvell. A Celebration of Life was held on May 3, 2015, at the Tower Club, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Condolences may be shared at DuMontFamily1927@gmail.com