Obituary of Rose Dribnak
Rose "Rozalia" Dribnak age 94, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family on the morning of Saturday, April 30, 2016. Rose was born in New York City on November 12, 1921 and relocating to Poughkeepsie in 1952, where her husband worked as an Engineer at IBM. Rose happily spent her life raising four children, lovingly caring for her husband, family and home.
She was the daughter of Michael Emilianoff a famous accordion maker in NYC's East Village.While helping in her father's accordian and mandolin shop off of Tompkin's Square Park, she fell in love with music. While still very young she happened to pick up a "Marine Band" harmonica and discovered her natural ability to master the instrument without formal training. She became so adept that in her teen years she performed in a revue at New York City's Carnagie Hall. The success of her performance and her unique style of playing drew the attention of the "Harmonica Cats" one of the most famous harmonica bands at that time. The band leader extended an offer to feature Rose as the highlight in the band. Given her young age her wise father did not allow her to join the traveling group comprised of all men. Rose was also very active in the Russian Dance Club at Borschevshy's in NYC, and performed all over the city including many festivals. She attended the many vaudeville shows in the city which influenced her natural ability to perform. Her favorite vaudeville performers were Eddie Cantor and Irving Berlin.
Rose was blessed to have grown up in a lively era of New York City in the early 40s, where she earned to nickname "Shorty" for her size and vivacious personality. They were very happy times for Rose, and around this time Johnny Dribnak came into her life. During WWII she trained as a Marine Cadet and raised money for the USO. She worked at Fairchild Aviation, and was also part of war effort with many other women. They were called the "Rosies". Henceforth the slogan was "Rosie the Riveter".
Rose knew Johnny since the age of 16, and were both the same age. All their many friends hung around together and met regularly at the Russian Club or down the street at the Polish Club. They had fun dancing, congregating and enjoying life. Rose remembers her first dance with Johnny. She happened to like this young man who liked her too. His name was Danny. So the song "Danny Boy" started playing, and Danny was about ready to ask Rose to dance. Dad being the pursuer that he was, moved quickly, and cut in front of Danny. Poor guy, he didn't have a chance. That was the last of Danny, and the beginning of something great for Rose and Johnny.
On June 10, 1944 Rozalia Emillianoff and John Dribnak, Jr. were joined in Holy Matrimony at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in New York City and remained married for 68 years before John departed in 2012.
Rose is survived by her daughter Nina Lewis, husband Glen Allen Lewis and their daughter Jessica Rose Lewis of Denton, MD; daughter Mary Ann Black and her son David Alexander Black of Houston, TX; son Michael Joseph Dribnak, wife Deborah Dribnak of Longmont, CO, their daughter Michelle Deborah Witkin, husband Jeffrey Witkin, and their son's Cooper Michael and Sebastian Matthew Witkin of Endicott, NY and their son Matthew James Dribnak of Stewart, Florida; and daughter Alexandra Helene Parks, husband John Parks of Coatesville, PA.
Rose was well known in the community and was loved by so many friends and neighbors. She was involved in many organizations like the IBM Quarter Century, IBM Retirees Club, The Senior Center, Club 44 and active member of St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church. Being an avid photographer, she was nominated as the " paparazzi" for the Senior Clubs and shared many happy memories with her fellow seniors. She also enjoyed arts and crafts and created many beautiful items.
Rose was known as "The Harmonica Lady" in her Poughkeepsie community, who would spontaneously play her harmonica where ever she was especially her favorite places like the CVS and Stop and Shop on South Road. She brought her musical talents and entertained the residents at nursing homes, the Senior Center, IBM Retirees Club, her very favorite restaurant "Coppola's" on Rt. 9, brought smiles to strangers at the Motor Vehicle Department, patients and staff at her doctor's offices. She loved people and they loved her. It brought her great joy to see people smile.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the Croft Corners Fire Department, Arlington Fire Department, Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department, wonderful neighbors, St. Francis Hospital, Vassar Brothers Hospital, all their doctors, nurses and health care providers, The Heart Center, Dr. D. Patel, Dr. Ling and all their staff. Very special thanks to Archpriest Olexander Donchenko and Matushka Olga and St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church for their spiritual support.
Funeral arrangements are under the supervision of Funeral Director Timothy Doyle at Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601. Calling hours are Wednesday, May 4th from 6 to 8pm at that the funeral home, and Thursday, May 5th from 9 to 11am, followed by Funeral Service at 11am at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, 100 Livingston Street, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601. Interment will be at St. Peter's Cemetery, 147 Salt Point Turnpike, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601.
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