Stephen Joseph Gombos, DDS, a.k.a. LTC Stephen J. Gombos, USA, Ret., 91, of Dover died Wednesday, December. 20, 2023, at the Community Hospice Truman House following a period of declining health.
He retired from his dental practice in July 2017-after 47 years of service to our community. He then sold the practice to Dr. Stephen Dowell of Carrollton.
Born August 13, 1932, in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late John and Julianna Czudar Gombos who were legal Hungarian Immigrants. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Pauline T. (Prelac) Gombos who died Nov. 30, 2014. They were married on August 27, 1955. He was also preceded by three brothers, Andrew, John, and Michael Gombos.
He was a graduate of Newton Falls High School and then attended Kent State University where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, Dr. Gombos received his D.D.S. degree from the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in 1960. Following dental school, he opened a private practice in Howland, Ohio. He continued his military service in the Army Reserves for 25 years where he was Commander of the 350th Evacuation Hospital in Canton, Ohio. He and his family moved to Dover in 1970 having acquired the dental practice of the late Dr. Herbert Machan.
Dr. Steve was an active member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover and the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge. He enjoyed sailing at Atwood Lake and driving the roads in his Triumph Spitfire.
He will be sadly missed by his family including three children, Rosey Gombos and Stephen Gombos both of Dover and Theresa (Michael) Jakupca of Canton; grandchildren, Erin Marie (Justin), Stephen Joseph ll (Rebecca), Rachel Patricia (Garret) and Patrick Michael along with his five great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, at 10:30am in the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover with Fr. Jeff Coning officiating. The New Philadelphia VFW will conduct military honors following the Mass. A reception will follow at the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center. Following the Mass, he will be cremated and laid to rest beside his wife Pauline at the St. Joseph Cemetery in Newton Falls Ohio. Those unable to attend or may wish to express a fond memory can sign the online register book by visiting the obituaries link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 613 N. Tuscarawas Ave., Dover, Ohio 44622 or the Knights of Columbus, 346 W. 9th St., Dover, Ohio 44622.
Toland-Herzig Funeral Homes & Crematory
803 North Wooster Avenue
Dover, Ohio 44622
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com
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