In Memory of

Theodore

R.

"Ted"

Dobias

Condolences

Condolence From: David Glick
Condolence: Ted mentored me for five summers in a row at NYMA's summer camp in the 80's. He was a significant figure in my life and I learned much from him and admired him greatly. As well he made me laugh constantly. They do not make them like him anymore. He will be missed.
Friday April 14, 2017
Condolence From: Michael Rusciano
Condolence: It seems that there are iconic figures in our lives who become the foundation for who and what we become. Col. Dobias is absolutely the definition of such a figure for me. He represents the greatest things our Country has to offer, and I am privileged to have learned the meaning of service and patriotism from him. Now more than ever we need strong leadership to guide us...anyone who has stood in Col. Dobias' shadow knows we are obligated to take the best of what we learned and apply it for the sake of future generations. Thank you for showing me the importance of hard work and personal integrity.
Wednesday July 06, 2016
Condolence From: Cena Walker
Condolence: I am so sorry for the troops of cadets or faculty members that have not and will not have Dobie in their lives. His memory will stay with us all. Love to Shirley and your family. Our hearts are with you.
Tuesday June 14, 2016
Condolence From: Hilton Perez
Condolence: To the Dobias Family from Hilton Perez, NYMA '67: I was so sadden to learn of the passing of the "Maj"and have so many fond memories of him during my three years at NYMA. When I came to NYMA as a sophomore it was the "Maj" who introduced me to football and I had the good fortune of playing both football and baseball for him. After NYMA I got an athletic scholarship and played football for 4 years at C.W.Post college in Long Island, NY and later on I played 1 year of Semi-Pro football. I then became a HS and College football official and after 42 seasons I just recently retired. I share this story because if it was not for the "Maj" in seeing some potential in me back in 1964 I probably would never have played football. The "Maj" was a tough but fair man and he always had the best interests of us Cadets at heart. We lost a good man on earth but heaven has gained a guardian who will continue to watch over us. God bless you "Maj" and rest in peace.
Friday June 10, 2016
Condolence From: Ralph Nelsen
Condolence: I do believe that Maj Dobias and the military training I received prepared me for my military service, the draft and my tour in Vietnam. Ralph w. Nelsen 1st Sergeant Company C Honor Guard 1963
Thursday June 09, 2016
Condolence From: Roger Pearson
Condolence: To the family of Major theodore Dobias: I doubt any of you would remember me. i graduated from NYMA WAY BACK IN 1963. For my first two years at NYMA, (1959, 1960), i lived in Wright Hall and sat with Major Dobias in the mess hall, so I had an opportunity to interact with him on a daily basis. We exchanged many wonderful experiences as we shared life over those two years. However, I must state honestly that perhaps the most memorable thing Major Dobias did for me was actually done by his wife, Shirley. I was raised in a very religious Jewish family, and one of the holidays we celebrated each year is Passover, the annual re-telling of the jews' exodus from slavery in Egypt. Observance of the holiday requires the consumption of food specially prepared, under strict rabbinical supervision. of course, none of this was available in the mess hall, and, by the seventh day of the holiday, i was very weak from not having my normal diet. i could barely stand, and forget about marching at all. I will never forget standing by my seat in the mess hall, when in came Shirley, with a home made egg nog that she prepared especially for me, in accordance with the dietary requirements, which i consumed instantaneously. To this day,approaching 60 years later, I still consider it perhaps the best thing I have ever consumed. I think often about her random act of kindness, and i am grateful to be able to express it here, although sad it must be in Major Dobias's obituary. i would attend his funeral, but in 2009, I suffered a stroke, and travel is difficult for me. I am now over seventy years old. i will forever be grateful to BOTH Major Dobias and his wife, Shirley, for their kindness all those decades ago. I will remember Major Dobias, and Shirley in my prayers, and ask God to comfort the whole Dobias family in this time of sadness. Respectfully, Roger Pearson( 203) 856-8000.
Thursday June 09, 2016
Condolence From: Tom Mulhall
Condolence: Dobie was literally my second Dad, the only person that my father felt safe enough with to take me under his wing, week after week, year after year, as I grew from a small tyke to a young man. Growing up at NYMA allowed me the fortunate opportunity to have Dobie there to help guide me for so many, many years. He was not only the one that guided me through my youth but was my close friend and "buddy" as well during my formative years. Thank you Shirley for passing along my hug and kiss last week to our dear Dobie… May God bless you and all the family. Godspeed "Uncle Ted"
Thursday June 09, 2016
Condolence From: Kyle Winter NYMA '81
Condolence: Maj was the heart and soul of NYMA and he never relented in his love for the school and the kids who attended it. Whether he was leading us in calisthenics before intramurals, telling us about his service in WWII when it was raining too hard to get us outside, or just throwing snowballs with us, he taught us loyalty and diligence... and don't step on the "G". During the 1970s, he was the tac for the middle school, but his kids thought they could take on anybody in the upper companies. We were all wealthier souls for knowing him. May the LORD bless his family during this time of loss.
Wednesday June 08, 2016
Condolence From: Chris Revere NYMA '78-'83
Condolence: I came to NYMA in 7th grade, so obviously my first stop was G Company and Maj. He was a bit of an intimidating presence (although Mr. Wortmann took first prize) but in time (and I guess in retrospect) you understood his intentions - to make you a better person and be part of something bigger than yourself - a team. And once you got with "the program" and earned his trust Maj was a sweetheart of a guy, with a wry sense of humor and unconditional support. Fast forward to 2003, when I returned to NYMA for 20th reunion. First off - he remembered who I was, which amazed me considering the thousands of cadets he encountered through his many years at NYMA. But what sticks with me to this day is he asked me to be the standard bearer for the Alumni Corps of Cadets during the parade ("I'm not worthy," I thought). As we were standing on the parade field he whispered to me "Revere - this is a special place and I know how much it means to you being back here." I was speechless. But in my mind I was transported back some 20 plus years and it made me smile to recall so many wonderful memories. And just writing this note and recalling memories of Maj made me smile again. Thanks Maj. My condolences to the Dobias family and may God Bless this wonderful man.
Wednesday June 08, 2016
Condolence From: Frank Simpson "66"
Condolence: I am so sorry for your loss BUT so many of us CADETS carry so much of the "Maj" with us forever! I am glad to have bin able to visit with you all at our 50th. He will always be with me ! GOD BLESS & RIP
Wednesday June 08, 2016
Condolence From: Rich Pezzullo
Condolence: He entered NYMA as a cadet, left to fight WWII and returned to graduate and spend his life helping develop young leaders. He fought with the 10th Mountain Division, was captured and escaped, and when he returned to NYMA dedicated his life to making sure that the boys he was trusted to groom to manhood would be prepared for "the war that is life". Doby stood by us and gave us confidence and guidance as we passed through our changes in life as cadets and alumni. If you knew him as a cadet, tactical officer, Assistant Commandant, Command of Wright Hall, Commandant of Cadets, coach, director of Ranger Camp, Summer Sports Director, Commandant of Junior School, or just a a reliable brother alumnus who you could always count on seeing at NYMA...he was an inspiring figure. I can't express sufficient thanks for dedicating his career, and leading his entire family in service to the academy and its alumni. The Dobias family has shared this marvelous man with so many of us. The outpouring of love at this time is small recompense for the years you shared him with us - but we offer it gratefully and humbly in the hopes that in some small way it eases the pain of your loss. I pray that God will bless and welcome him as he receives the reward he earned many times over as he rescued the lives of the cadets he mentored.
Wednesday June 08, 2016
Condolence From: Alfredo DeLara
Condolence: He has been a sentinel on the road to adulthood for so many of us. He mentored my father in the 1950's - then me in the 1980's... countless others before and since. An unforgettable human being to all of us. We all owe him so much gratitude and respect. The Maj. is and always will be the embodiment of the NYMA esprit de corps.
Wednesday June 08, 2016
Condolence From: George Couttolenc '82
Condolence: Farewell to Dobie... A great and a man with a beautiful heart, who encouraged me to become a better human being... A friend to us all...! Thank you NYMA for giving me the opportunity to learn from his great soul Rest in peace Theodore Dobias... my friend
Wednesday June 08, 2016
Condolence From: Jennifer Houlis Bolger
Condolence: Rest easy Maj. Loss for words.....what can I say....he is NYMA....such an amazing man and role model and nothing but love and respect for this wonderful man who is now watching over all of his FAMILY!!! He will always hold a very special place in all our hearts and also have to add......thank you not only for all the lives you touched in such a positive way.....but thank you for your service!
Wednesday June 08, 2016
Condolence From: Chip DeLorenzo NYMA '85
Condolence: "Maj" was NYMA. He was the heart and soul of a school a special institution that was home to thousands of us alumni and former cadets. NYMA will never be the same without him, but it would never have been what it was without him, either. "Maj" was kind and firm, and no matter how hard he pushed you always knew he cared. I think you can sum up his life at the Academy in those two words, "He cared." And the school and the lives of those of us who passed through its gates are better people because of it. Thank you, "Maj". You are in our prayers, and we hope you continue to pray for us and NYMA. Toujours Pret!
Wednesday June 08, 2016
Condolence From: James Lubas NYMA '83
Condolence: I am deeply saddened to learn of "Maj" passing. I will not forget his teachings and legacy. My prayers for him and his family....
Wednesday June 08, 2016
Condolence From: Claudette Beerman and Chris Allen
Condolence: Our condolences go out to Shirley and the entire family. Thank you Maj for everything you taught us. You are a true hero, father figure, and friend to so many of us. The lessons we learned from you we have taken with us. We love you, Maj Claudette Beerman, 1987 Chris Allen, 1988
Wednesday June 08, 2016
Condolence From: Vince Cunningham class of 67
Condolence: NYMA has loss a great family member, may he rest in peace.
Wednesday June 08, 2016
Condolence From: DAVID ALBERTS
Condolence: Ted, You are in our prayers. David Alberts Class of "53"
Wednesday June 08, 2016
Condolence From: Jason Rock NYMA '87
Condolence: It is a sad day to have lost such an icon in our lives. Our condolences and deepest sympathies go out to Shirley and the entire family.
Wednesday June 08, 2016
Condolence From: Thomas Compter
Condolence: Maj, I remember you as a rock of dependability. I remember you as a rock of consistency. Even though I was not a member of your company in Dingley Hall, I and my fellow cadets in the band knew that you stood as a foundation of the Academy, one of the pillars holding us all up, encouraging us to be better than we thought we could be, and letting us know when we fell short. Thank you for your many years of service to the Academy, and more importantly, to the cadets that attended the Academy. We’re all better men for your guidance and leadership. Toujours Pret
Wednesday June 08, 2016
Condolence From: Christopher Patricara
Condolence: For those of you who do not know who this man is, I lack the vocabulary to describe what he meant to me and a lot of other people. This man, Col. Ted Dobias, had a tremendous impact on my life and helped me to grow from the scrawny little boy who refused to eat the food at military school to the man I am today. We called him Maj. Maj passed away yesterday at the age of 90. It's fitting that he died on June 6. June 6 1944 was D-Day. The largest invasion of WW2. June 6 is a day of heroes. Maj had an instinct for raising kids. He was a righteous, moral man. He taught me tact, humility, a firm handshake, the importance of doing what you say you will, honesty, moderation and tolerance. He taught me about fairness and respect. Giving it and earning it. I really can't say enough about this man. I'm sure wherever he is, he's walking with kings. Rest easy, Maj.
Wednesday June 08, 2016
Condolence From: Dave Evans '66
Condolence: There is no doubt of all the lives touched by the "Maj". I was one of the few fortunate enough to spend four years in Wright Hall under his tutelage. He raised me to manhood through examples of leadership and caring for your fellow Cadet as well as everyone that we encounter in our own lives. To say we have lost a great man doesn't begin to do Col. Theodore Dobias justice. Thanks Maj for helping to mold me into the man I became. God Bless and Godspeed.
Tuesday June 07, 2016