Doug was my first best friend.  I lived across the street from him on Waverly and I think he moved in when I was in the 3rd or 4th grade.  We played all the time and I hope he thought of me with the same loving memories I have of him.  
I'd like to connect with his family but I understand if they want to take a pass on someone that they don't know.

 Dear Doug.      
It was 1971 when I walked into Main & Lafayette.  I was 19 - you 21.      
You have remained for me, a huge cautionary tale who stalked and stared at me - later arranged for me to work for you.  I never flirted  with you and you wouldn't even talk to me.   I left that place. you didn't.   I created a different life - you jumped down wrongful rabbit holes laid out by marginal friends and partners.   
Only you and I will know what  the punch line is.       
Happy trails Doug.      
Sarah / Sally

Dougy, as he was known to my family and me was my first best friend.  He lived across the street from me on Waverly in Kenmore.  He was the kid with the great open lot next to his house that all the kids in the neighborhood played football on.
Life was simple back then.  Of course, it was, we were kids and there was no one more fun to be friends with than Dougy.  
I live just outside New York City now, with my family and my kids who never got to meet my 1st best friend but they know the stories and will often refer to him as "Dougy Dombrowski."
I contacted Doug a few years ago and he was gracious in inviting me to his house the next time I was in Buffalo.  Sadly, I didn't have that opportunity but I will always have my memories of my first best friend.

You worked your magic to get us over the US border to our big gig in Boston, and you piloted the minivan from northern CA to Monterey then on to  LA for our big gig at the Viper Room. You were a champion for our band, and I’ll always be grateful. Rest In Power, Virginia Storey 

Hi Marjorie, please allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Dominic Pandolfino and I grew up across the street from Dougy on Waverly, in the Town of Tonawanda.  He was my very first best friend.  The Dombrowksi's moved in a few years after we did.  We arrived there in 1956 so I'm guessing in 1958 or so.  He was, for all intent and purposes, an only child, since his sister was much older and out of the house.  

Doug and I were inseparable.  He was the kid with a double lot, a basketball net on his garage and a 4" above ground pool, not to mention every toy known to man and a cigar box full of bubble gum that he got from the many packs of baseball cards that his Mom bought.  I can't remember her name but his Dad was Walter and his Polish immigrant grandmother, who seemed ancient at the time (probably younger than I am, now) and who kept a watchful I on Dougie was nicknamed by him as Hawkeye.  

We were besties until he went to St. Joes for HS.  I was a year behind him but it was a segmented time and if you were a sophomore, you didn't hang out with the freshman.  I was a year behind him at St. Joes but by that time, he was off on his musical career and I was trying to figure out my way.

I was very saddened to hear of Doug's passing.  A few years back, I was in town visiting my sister and stopped by the address on Elmwood where Doug's shop was located.  It was between Allen and Virginia but he wasn't there.  I called him, not knowing what kind of reception I would receive and he couldn't have been nicer.  He said to come by the next time I was in town and catch up.  Such a Buffalo thing to do.  The City of Good Neighbors.  I've lived in New York for the past 42 years so, while I'm a New Yorker, my heart lies in WNY.  

I don't have many regrets but not catching up with my old friend who knew me before just about anyone else did will be one of them.

I hope that you are well and that your family is coping with Doug's absence. 

My love, Dominic

In Gaelic the name Douglas means "black stream / dark water".     
   
Doug was my first boss and I was his first assistant.   1971/1972. 
'Ive often remembered his private telling to me - the return of his long lost pet cat to his family home, and how very happy he and his mother were.  Later, he gave me a bottle of Corn Husker's Lotion  -   my hands were torn from stripping  returned albums.   
 I still keep a bottle of it under the kitchen sink.     

Doug wasn't a complicated guy, but he gave us all good lessons.   
Doug did the very best he could for he and his family - with what he  had to work with at the time.                                                                            I wish only that he has the very best of landings into heaven.      
       
Thank you Doug ,    
Sarah / Sally
                                                                                                                                         
                                        



Doug was my mentor back in the Transcontinent days. Many great memories! After Could Be Wild got started, Doug gave me some free space on their second floor as a home base for my new business. I will always be grateful for that very generous act and even more for our friendship. My condolences to Margie and the family.

Doug, my friend.  
I shall miss you.  My music man.  My confidant,  my fellow Buffalo Bills bitching buddy and exposer of records of dubious merit.  Even though you are gone, I still want to send you the MMR adds and rotations for the week.  I have been proud to be a client of Could Be Wild for my entire career- since 1982.  Not McGathy, nor McClusky or any of the other big Indys.  Always Could Be Wild/CBW2.  Always up front, always honest and fair.  And proud to call you friend.  BTW, WMMR just bumped Halestorm to medium and added the new U2.  Call it in.
Love you,  Bill
(And I always loved the Bills donuts on game day.)

 I first met him along with Daniel D. Gambino at Sattler's guitar dept. at 16 or 17. I went to hear their band I'm guessing at 18 years old and liked them enough to get them a gig at the Beef 'n Ale on Main Street. They rocked that place for a long time as house band. At 18 I also got a job working at the parent company for Record Theatre. Doug asked me to get him a job there. It was lunch everyday at Ted's him and I and we were always late coming back. Later at Spring Break we went to Fort Lauderdale in 2 cars with Danny, my brother, the actor Jeff Fahey and a few other kids in 20 hours driving time--lol. I will always cherish that time in my life with Danny and Doug as we became almost inseparable for a while. R.I.P. my old friend and God bless you.

Dear Margie, Taryn & Evan, We are so sad to hear of Doug's passing. He was a wonderful husband & father to all you. Doug was a friend & mentor. I trusted his opinion and would listen often to his wisdom. His memory and spirit lives on with all of you. You are all in our thoughts & prayers. Peace & love from Mary & me.

My condolences to Marjorie and family. Doug was one of a kind and I will miss him. 

OBITUARIO

Douglas J. Dombrowski

21 agosto, 1950 – 10 noviembre, 2021

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