Delores Jean Hnat

Delores (aka Dolly) was born in Rome, NY, on April 15, 1941, to the late Theodore and Victoria Dombrowski. She was predeceased by her older brother, Ted. She attended Transfiguration Polish Catholic School, Rome Free Academy, and Syracuse University. Delores married Thomas A. Hnat in 1961 and would have celebrated their 63rd anniversary this April. She has four children, Thomas J. Hnat (Jackie), Tammy Hnat-Comstock (Andy), Tawny Hnat (Kevin), and Trista Shepard (Doug). She has two grandchildren, Dylan and Chase Shepard. Her extended family includes her son, Jose (Janice) and grandchildren, Alba, Jose Jr., and Anna. She also had great love for her nephews and nieces in Rome, NY.

Delores’ career consisted of a long history with law firms, such as Bond, Schoeneck & King and Scolaro Law Firm. She was also a Trust Officer for HSBC. Delores was a well-known and respected paralegal assistant that specialized in estate planning. She would continue to work part-time with law services until she was 78 years old.

Delores was an avid volunteer to the point where we gave her a magnet that read, “stop me from volunteering.” She was two-time President of the International Center of Syracuse and there were always guests from other countries coming for dinner or living in her home for a week, month, or a year. She was also a big supporter of Hope for Bereaved, Bar Association, and women’s rights.

Her zest for life and tremendous energy was part of everything she did, and everyone she touched felt it. She was all about her family and her friendships. Her love and support for them was endless. She loved to throw a good party and threw many…especially at her summer camp on Owasco Lake, where the wine flowed freely and the music played loudly!

Delores also loved to travel. Her trips included Russia, China, France, Italy, England, Canada, a boat cruise down the Danube River, and many trips across the United States. She especially loved to visit Chicago, where she spent a lot of her childhood and where her beloved cousins still reside.

Delores was proud of her Polish heritage and taught her children how to stuff pierogi, roll galombki, and tie chrusciki. She celebrated Wigilia with blessed oplatek every year. At one time, she owned a Polish American catering business with her husband.

Delores will be greatly missed and forever in our memories – Kochamy Cie, Dolly!

A private Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. Contributions can be made to Tidewell Hospice House, 1158 Veronica Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33952.