Salem - Mr. James E. Dombrowski, 75, of Salem, beloved husband of Karen (Remon) (Gordon) Dombrowski, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2020, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston surrounded by his family.
Born in Peabody, he was the son of the late Harold and Gloria (Ouellette) O'Brien. Raised and educated in Salem, James was a graduate of Salem High School where he was a gifted athlete and a member of the Salem High football team.
Upon his high school graduation, James enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served his country during the Vietnam War.
James started his professional career in 1981 where he worked as a Correction Officer for Essex County Jail in both Salem and Middleton until the time of his retirement, earning the rank of Captain.
A longtime resident of the City of Salem, James was a member of the Knights of Columbus and also the former Ward II Social Club. He loved listening to all types of music and was an avid sports fan who reveled in watching all different types of sporting events. Throughout the summer and early fall, James enjoyed camping and especially treasured his home on Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Above all else, he loved his family and cherished the moments and memories he made with them. He will be deeply missed.
In addition to his wife Karen of Salem, James is survived by his daughters, Cindy and Kim; his step-children, David "Gordy" Gordon and his wife Awilda of Nashua, N.H., Melissa Ouellette and her husband Mike of Salem, and Nicholas Gordon and his wife Jessica of Haverhill; his grandchildren, Janel, Amber, Coleman, Quinn, Nicholas, Serafina; his sisters, Carol Kilroy and her husband Mike of Hasting, Fla., and Linda Marshall of Peabody; nieces and nephews, Debbie, Kevin, Robin, Kathy, Kristine, Matt and Dylan; and extend family and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at O'Donnell - Cremations - Funerals - Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq. (at Salem Common), Salem on Friday, August 7 from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by his funeral service at 7 p.m. All attendees are required to wear face coverings, practice social distancing and are respectfully asked for no physical contact with the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James' memory to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215. Sharing written remembrances and condolences, during this time will be essential in helping James' family reminisce, celebrate and heal. We encourage you to share your memories by visiting his eternal tribute at www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.
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Send Flowers: When Is the Ordering Deadline?
ANY DAY OF THE WEEK
Order any time up till the day before
MON-FRI Order by 2:00PM
SAT & SUN Order by noon
TUES-SAT
Order by 3:00PM
The day before
SAT & SUN Order by Saturday
Note: These are general guidelines; some florists may not be able to operate within these timelines. During peak periods such as Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day and most holidays, florists are not always able to keep up to demand. Tribute will contact you if there are any issues.
Plant a tree: How does it work
When your purchase is complete, a post will be made on the tribute wall of the deceased signifying the planting of a memorial tree.
An official certificate recognizing your purchase will be included with your email receipt. You can then forward the email to the family or print it and give it to them personally.
After an order is placed, our forestry partners will plant the tree in the area of greatest need (nearest the funeral home), according to the planting schedule for the year.
Due to seasonal conditions, the tree planting takes place during the spring and summer.
Tree Planting Timeline
Orders placed in:
January - May
Planting will take place in Spring or Summer of the same year.
June - December
Planting will take place in Spring of the following year.
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