John R. Dobbyn, age 87, known to many as “Papa,” died of kidney failure at his home in Alexandria on February 26, 2016. He was born in Sommerville, Massachusetts on Friday, April 13, 1928. He graduated Boston Latin School 1946 and then St. Michael’s College in 1950. He was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and became Sergeant. He later entered the seminary and served as as a Catholic priest with the Passionists for 13 years. After leaving the priesthood, he came to Washington DC, became a commodities broker, and retired as a Vice President of Merrill Lynch. After retirement, he homeschooled his children and raised his grandchildren. He loved God and had an excellent sense of humor. He is survived by his six children Celeste Dobbyn Byrd Michael of Alexandria, VA, John Dobbyn Jr Kathryn of Alexandria, VA, Joseph Dobbyn of Los Angeles, CA, Richard Dobbyn Kristen of Alexandria, VA, Michael Dobbyn Kathleen of Alexandria, VA and Grace Dobbyn of Chicago, IL. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Michael Byrd Jr, Jaelyn Hawkins, Alexander Byrd, Natalie Byrd, Mary Byrd, Victoria Dobbyn, Marie Dobbyn, John Dobbyn III, Abigail Dobbyn and Richard Dobbyn V. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 4, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria, VA. There will be a viewing at 10 a.m. preceding the funeral Mass. also at Good Shepherd. A reception will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Catholic Charities.

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