Martin A. Dobis, 95, of Morgantown, passed away with his loving family at his side on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at his daughter’s residence in Bath, Pa.
Martin was the loving husband of the late Violet June (Law) Dobis who preceded him in death on May 27, 1985.
He was born in Beaverdale, Pa. on May 30, 1925, the son of the late John E. and Elizabeth (Frenak) Dobis.
Martin had worked as a Rehabilitation Specialist for the UMWA Health & Retirement Services for 30 years, until retiring. He was instrumental in securing Miners Black Lung and other Medical Benefits.
Martin graduated from high school in 1943 and was drafted into the army. He served our country with dedication and courage in the United States Army during World War II as a private first class. He served as a Bushmaster in the 158th Infantry Regiment Combat Team in New Guinea and the Philippines. During World War II, Martin made multiple beach landings as part of the Pacific Theater campaign. During the invasion of Lingayen Gulf, at 4 p.m., on Jan. 20, 1945, Martin was shot by an enemy sniper. He spent over a year in military hospitals recovering from his wounds. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart for wounds he received in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. For his dedication to our country, he also received the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Good Conduct Metal, World War II Victory Metal, American Theater Service metal, two Overseas Service Bars and the Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Metal. He was most proud of being called a Bushmaster.
Martin was released from active duty on Jan. 2, 1946, and received a GI Bill to attend college. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in business administration.
Martin was a member of St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Star City and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council and the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus where he served as a Past Grand Knight. He was also a member of the VFW in West Virginia.
We have been blessed with the presence of Martin in our lives. He will be deeply missed by his daughter, Beth A. Dobis Beers and her husband Harvey, of Bath, Pa. He was the loving grandfather to the apple of his eye, Amanda Beers, of Bath, Pa.
Martin is also survived by two nieces, Jill Wagner and Leslie Law, and one nephew, Henry Law.
In addition to his wife, June, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Peggy Ann Dobis; and four siblings, John Dobis, Ethel Panetti, Anne Dobis and Margaret Spader.
Visitation will begin at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 3334B University Avenue, Star City, from 9:30 a.m., Saturday, May 8, until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., with Father John McDonough as celebrant. Knights of Columbus 4th Degree will be standing guard during the visitation.
Martin will be laid to rest with his loving wife, June, at East Oak Grove Cemetery after full military rites performed by Westover VFW.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made In Loving Memory of Martin A. Dobis to: WVU Children’s Hospital, 1 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506.
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
