James Dobak

James Dobak, 86, of Hope, NJ, passed away peacefully at Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice in Fredon, NJ, with his loving family by his side.

James was born on February 8, 1938, in Newark, NJ, to the late John and Antoinette Dobak.

He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as an Aviation Fuel Specialist. James married the love of his life, Irene Emily Urosek, in 1958. Together they celebrated over 50 years of marriage prior to her passing in 2009. James earned his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. He was employed as a Lieutenant and Ballistics Expert for the Newark Police Department for over 31 years prior to his retirement in 1992. James was also employed as a Professor of Criminal Justice at Union County College, where he taught for over a decade. Previously residing in Newark, NJ, he moved to Hope, NJ, in 1984. He was a member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Hackettstown, NJ, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

During his lifetime, James enjoyed camping trips with his sons in the Boy Scouts and spending time with his family at the Jersey shore. He loved to travel and has been all over the world, including Bermuda, the Caribbean, most of Europe, the United States and South America. He often crossed the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2 as a more relaxing way to visit overseas. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and cherished every moment with them. He will be greatly missed.

James is survived by his loving children - Nancy Dobak-Siani and her husband Michael Siani, Sr.; James Dobak, Jr. and his wife Cheryl and John Jude Dobak - and his Grandchildren - Jacqueline Paige, James Peter, Michael and Nicholas.

Services will be held privately. James will be laid to rest next to his wife at Pequest Union Cemetery in Great Meadows, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations made in James’ memory to Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice, 99 Sparta Lane, Newton, NJ, 07860, or Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 409 East Baldwin Street, Hackettstown, NJ, 07840, would be appreciated.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Maguire Memorial Home & Cremation Services, 124 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ, 07840.