Jeffrey Dobbin, 61, passed away on September 17, 2023, after a courageous and inspirational battle with cancer, at Hospicare in Ithaca, NY. He was born on June 7, 1962 in Kingston, NY. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, William and Bernadette Dobbin, and his sister, Diane Dobbin. He is survived by his children, Megan (Matt Traphagen) Dobbin and Marcus Dobbin, grandchildren, Adrian Dobbin and Kyrie Alger, siblings, Gregg (Geri) Dobbin, Kathy (Jerry) Winkler, Laurie (Rick) Alle, Billy (Debbie) Dobbin, and Nancy (John) Shaw, his partner, Kate Seaman, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends.
Jeff grew up in Endwell, NY in a traditional Irish household filled with support and love. Family was at the heart of everything he held dear. Jeff worked hard to support his own family and give his children access to every possible opportunity while instilling traditional morals and values, and above all by doing so with love. Next to his family, was his incredible group of friends. Jeff considered his friends a second family and always enjoyed being surrounded by them whether it was boys’ weekends to see Jimmy Buffet, time spent on the lake, the golf course, or a trivia night. He lit up a room, and he certainly never met a stranger. His outgoing and general goodhearted nature attracted people to him, and him to people.
Community was also very important to Jeff. Throughout his illustrious banking career, he took great pride in helping to build and support the local business community as a Commercial Lender. In the last 25 years of his career, Jeff worked as a Vice President of Commercial/Business Lending at local area banks. Jeff also supported the community by running and coaching the Ithaca sixth grade boys travel basketball team for 15+ years, many of those years with his son Marcus coaching by his side. He took joy in teaching the fundamentals of basketball and acting as a mentor to countless young men, many of whom continued to call him “Coach” long after. Prior to this, Jeff also spent many years coaching in the CYO basketball league in the Endicott area at the JV/Varsity level.
Jeff lived a life guided by a strong moral compass and with integrity. He always told his family and friends how much he loved them and did so often. He was a man who left a mark on the world and left it a brighter place. He will be sorely missed but will always be celebrated, which is just the way he would want it.
Jeff’s family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and staff at Hospicare of Ithaca who provided so much compassion and care for him and his loved ones in his last days of life.
Visitation will be held at St. Catherine’s of Sienna church on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Father Joseph Marcoux officiating. A private burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Coach Dobbin Humanitarian Award through the Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI.org) or to Hospicare of Ithaca.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bangs Funeral Home, Ithaca, NY. Online condolences may be made to Jeffrey’s family at www.bangsfuneralhome.com.
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