William G. Dolinski Jr “Bill”, 63, retired Chief of Police for the city of Palatka, Florida passed away Saturday, November 12, 2011.
He was born in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania to the proud parents William and Rita (McNamara) Dolinski Sr on Monday, August 30, 1948.
Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He served with the 101st Airborne Division, Vietnam. He earned 2 Bronze Star Medals, the Purple Heart, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars and the National Defense Service Medal. He also earned the Combat Infantry Badge, the Parachutist Badge and the Expert Marksmanship Badge for the rifle and machine gun, which later provided him with the skills for his 30 plus years in law enforcement that spanned from New Jersey to Florida.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree from St. Leo College and his Master of Education from Troy State University. He continued to serve others as an adjunct professor of social sciences, at Vincennes University, Vincennes, Indiana. Bill was a mentor and leader to all who knew him.
Bill was a great protector and provider for his beloved wife Rosine, daughter Lisa and grandchildren, who all knew him as their “Poppy”.
Left to cherish memories of Bill are his wife of 40 years, Rosine; daughter, Lisa Haley (Jeff); brother, Robert; Aunt, Lillian Dolinski; cousin, Caroline Reska (Mike); Grandchildren: Jason Collins (Crystal) and Marena Haley. Great grands Alexus, Alyssa, and Alera; Brother in law, Robert DiPompo (Glenda); sisters in law: Angela Holman (Arthur) and Rita Hewett and their families; Stepbrother, Tom Knowles (Connie); stepsister, Pat Hurwitz (Ron); cousins, nieces and nephews. He was blessed with two special friends, Wesley and Catherine Olsen, and many friends and neighbors who loved him dearly.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held Saturday, November 19 from 5 to 7pm at the Woman’s Club of Palatka 600 S. 13th Street Palatka, Florida 32178.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to either the humane society of Putnam County or the Wounded Warrior Project.
Condolences may be sent to the family by signing Bill’s online page at WWW.WattsFuneralHomes.com. Simplicity Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Watts Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Inc., San Mateo, Florida.
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Rosie,
We were so shocked to hear of Bill’s passing. We certainly enjoyed being with him at Palatka Yacht Club functions and seeing him most recently in May. I know you will miss him as will many others whom he has touched: family, friends, students, colleagues. We’ll try to make it by the Woman’s Club on our way home from our annual meeting of PYC. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this trying time.
DEAR ROSIE, THINKING OF YOU IN YOUR TIME OF LOSS. DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND HEARTFELT PRAYERS. HOPE THIS FINDS ALL OF YOU DOING WELL.
LOVE LINDA
I had the pleasure of working with Bill in the 70′s and I was only 18 at the time and thought very highly of Bill and Rosie. Bill and Rosie are the reason I live in Palm Port, one day visiting them must have been in the fall with our beautiful sunsets, Bill said this is why we live here, look at that sky. I am so sad by the loss of Bill, not only for Rosie and myself, but for our community. I can’t say enough about Bill. I will always remember the day I gave Bill a ride home in my MG midget, and boy what a suprise Rosie had seeing him in that little car…my path with them did not end then, later I had the pleasure of working with Rosie for the Great Huntly Jiffy. Much Love to you Rosie, I know you have wonderful memories of Bill and he will live forever in your heart.
Luv ya gal,
Patti
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. He was a very special person and we are glad we had got to know him…Our sympathy goes out to all of you during this sad time in your lives..
Rodie… I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. I cannot imagine what you are going through right now. I loved Bill – he was a great friend and boss. Working with & for him at the PPD was truly some of the best years of my life. What awesome memories I have. You and your family are in mine & Jim’s prayers and thoughts..
Dear Rosine and family,. I,m so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May GOD give you the strength and support to get you through these trying times. Take care. theresa
Rosie & Family: We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Loved One. Our Love & Prayers are with you. May the Lord Watch over all his Children. Love You!!!
our hearts… thoughts… and prayers are with you and the family.my prayer for you is to give you the strength you need when you need it.
love arleen and barry
We are so sorry for you Rosine. We are happy that Angie & Rita can be there for you in this sad time. Our thoughts are with you. Love, Carlene & Eric
dear aunt Rosine & family sorry here about your loss our thoughts & prayers are with you & the family our deepest condolences are with you
I just recently had the pleasure of meeting Bill by taking his last Vincennes class in Green Cove Springs. It was evident from the first class Bill was a true gem. Not only did we learn a lot we saw the type person he was and he was great. Bill always spoke about his family in class and really had a twinkle in his eye when he did. My sincere condolenses to you and your family and I will definitely say Heaven is much richer!
I am so sorry for your loss, I always called him Dolinski, I met him back in 1981, I was going through a bad case of spouse abuse, and he was always there for me, I have never known him to let anyone down in their time of need, even when my son would sneak out early in the am, because he wanted to go to his nanny’s house, Dolinski would call me, and say Becky, Nicky was going to his grannys again, I would go up to the station, and Dolinski would be carrying my son around the station, with a can of orange drink in hand, so yes we all have lost such a great man, and he will be sadly missed by all, my heart goe’s out to all of you, God Bless…..Becky
Rosie, Thinking of you with sympathy, with love, and with a prayer that God will bless you everyday and keep you in His care. I’m still in shock about Bill’s passing. The last time i was home you all invited me to come and visit,I’m so glad i came not knowing that will be the last time to be with Bill, i will always treasured that moment cause we had a good time visiting each others. Also, all those time we get together at the house, going shopping and going out to dinner. Bill & I considered you both as our second parents. I’m really be lost when i come home knowing the Bill is gone. Rosie, everything that happens in this life is a gift. Even as you struggle through this difficult time, you are gaining strength and wisdom that will help you further down the road…Remember no matter what happens, you’ll always have peole who care for you. We love you very much. Bill& Aurelia Edwards
Very sorry and shocked to hear the news about Bill.Havent been in touch for a while but thought of him as a great friend.Our prayers are with you.
We thought very highly of Bill. We will always remember the good times we had at Lisa and Jeff’s Christmas Eve gatherings. He was a great guy and will be missed by many. Rest in peace Bill, and know that the memories will live forever in the hearts of those who loved you.
Dear Rosie, We have lost a dear friend and we’ll deeply miss him. Our thoughts are with you and we pray that Our Lord will strengthen and comfort you. Please don’t hesitate to call for anything.
Dickie and Kathy Tanner send their heartfelt sorrow to the family and friends. We were so blessed to know him in our early years at the Holiday Inn in Palatka. Peace to all.
Rosie, this news has been really difficult for me to deal with. As you know the Chief (Bill) was such a good friend to me and treated me like family. He has always been supportive to me and been there when I needed him whether it was regarding my personal life or career. His guidance has ALWAYS led me down the right path and motivated me to succeed. It has always been comforting and reassuring to know that if something was wrong I could pick up the phone and call him for help. If it were not for him I would not have acquired what I have today. I am thankful and proud to have known him and feel like I could never pay him back for all he has done for me. There is nothing I would not have done for the Chief.
My deepest condolences for loss of your loved one- I had the honor to meet Chief Dolinski a couple of times through my son Dallas Newman. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.
John and family. I am so sorry for your loss. The journey of grief will not be easy, but you can do it. God bless you all at this time of grief and loss.
Cal
You are truly loved and missed by our
family.
We send our simpathy to wife and children.