Richard “Dick/Doc” Henry Doklovic, age 90, of Mansfield passed away peacefully on Friday, April 3, 2025 at St. Ann’s Hospital in Westerville, OH.
Doc was born on May 4, 1935 in Jersey City, New Jersey to the late Rudolph and Margaret (Jenish) Doklovic. After graduating from Madison High School in 1953, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, serving from 1953 to 1961. Doc was very proud to have served his country and always enjoyed meeting other Marines (or “jarheads” as he liked to call them).
After his honorable discharge, Doc began an apprenticeship at General Motors as a tool and die maker. He worked his way up to supervisor and was known for his firm leadership style tempered with humor and genuine care for others. After 38 years, he retired from “the plant,” though he remained a regular at GM retiree luncheons, where he enjoyed cracking jokes and reminiscing with old friends. Retirement, however, was never really in Doc’s nature. His love of woodworking led him to owning and operating Jon-Stac Products, where he specialized in making and repairing small furniture. Later, he found a natural home at Kell Hardware, where his handyman knowledge and easy way with people made him a perfect fit. Perhaps his most beloved post-retirement role was as a delivery driver for Wayne’s Market — especially in the fall, when he got to trade the truck keys for a tractor seat and give hayrides to schoolchildren as “Farmer Doc.”
While building his career, Doc was also building a life with the love of his life, Patricia Ann Chylla — a match made possible by his sister-in-law, who set them up on a blind date. The two married on June 11, 1977 and shared nearly 48 years of marriage until her passing in 2025. Doc was a devoted husband and steadfast support to Pat, especially through life’s most challenging times. Together they embraced new adventures, made a warm and welcoming home for family and friends, and faced everything life brought their way with much love, a little stubbornness on both parts, and enough humor to get them through.
Doc was a deeply devoted father of four who, despite working second shift, rarely missed a softball game, a concert, or other special moments in his kids’ lives. As they grew, he remained a steady, encouraging presence — always ready with a piece of advice, well-timed comic relief, or simply a listening ear. That same devotion extended to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Doc was an extremely proud “Grampy” and “Grandpa” who looked forward to every visit and phone call. He also liked seeing which one of the kids he could fool with one of his jokes. His extended family held a special place in his heart as well, particularly his nephew Thad and his family, with whom he enjoyed many warm holiday gatherings.
Alongside family, faith and community were central to Doc’s life. Catholic by faith, he served as an usher at Resurrection Parish for many years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a lifetime member of the AMVETS and a charter member of the Elks and the Moose in Lexington. In addition, Doc volunteered countless hours with his kids’ school organizations and joined in Pat’s advocacy efforts for families affected by multiple sclerosis.
In his spare time, Doc enjoyed playing cards, golfing, camping, fishing for bass and perch at local lakes, and tending to his model trains. He and Pat spent many cherished hours at their Apple Valley property, where you could often find him fishing or pulling a kid on an innertube behind his boat. After Pat’s passing, their beloved dog Duchess rarely left his side, providing constant comfort in her absence. On any given Sunday afternoon, you could find the two of them together in the recliner with Doc wearing his trademark hat, shaking his head at the Browns. Doc enjoyed his hobbies but, above all else, he cherished time spent with his family.
He is survived by his children Stacy (Ryan) Keenan of Westerville, Jonathan (Jessica) Doklovic of Round Rock, TX, and Juanita Marie Santangelo of Wooster; grandchildren Alena Keenan, Alicia Keenan, Chloe Doklovic, Lola Doklovic, Richie Berry, Crystal Dudley, Donavon Swanger (Velvet) and Melisa (Josh) Arms; step-grandsons Trey, Blaze, and Ace; four great-grandchildren; brother Thomas (Linda) Doklovic; nephew Thad (Kathy) Cetinich; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends, including lifelong friends Harry & Judy Waldman of Perrysville.
In addition to his parents, Doc is preceded in death by his wife Patricia Doklovic, daughter Susan Davis, granddaughter Jennifer, and son-in-law David Santangelo.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 5-7 pm at the Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel, 2553 Lexington Avenue, Mansfield, Ohio 44904. A private urn burial at Mansfield Catholic Cemetery will be celebrated by family at a later date.
Doc lived 90 years with humor, heart, and an unshakeable love for his family. He was a Marine, a craftsman, and a devoted husband and father. He was social by nature — he never met a stranger and was always quick to give the shirt off his back without expecting anything in return. Some might have called him old-fashioned, but to those who knew him best, he was, without question, one of the good ones and will be forever missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to local AMVETS Post # or the ASPCA.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Doc’s family and encourages you to share a fond memory or message of condolence on his obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com