Victor L Dobrov

It is with sadness in our hearts that we relate the passing of Victor Lev Dobrov, 76, on February 19, 2015. Victor was born in Odessa, USSR in 1938. Having survived WWII as a child in Kazakhstan, he returned to Odessa where he earned a Masters Degree in Engineering. Rising quickly in his career, he was the chief Engineer of Food Manufacturing at the time when he met his bride, Izabell Kruzhkov. Theirs was a true story of love at first sight that lasted for 50 wonderful years. Upon meeting Izabell, Victor proposed marriage on the second date and they were wed three weeks later. Their children, Regina and Vitaly, followed soon thereafter. Victor and Izabell made a courageous and life-altering decision of immigrating to the United States. In July 1976 the Dobrov family arrived in Tampa, Florida, which became their home. They were the first Russian immigrant family in the Tampa Bay Area and were actively involved in the Russian resettlement program in Tampa Bay. Victor was the first and only Russian immigrant to be a Mason in Florida. After working as Vice President at All State Homes, Victor seized the opportunity with the democratization of East Europe and collapse of the Soviet Regime by embracing his passion for international business. Victor through his company, International Partnerships, Inc., was actively involved in promoting free market economy in that region. Victor and Izabell hosted numerous delegations from these countries, introducing and promoting the American way of life. Throughout their life together, Victor and Izabell were tireless world travelers and adventurers. They always brought back wonderful souvenirs and stories to share with others. Victor will always be remembered for his overwhelming enthusiasm for life, his love for his wife and family, and his endless devotion to the US and the American way of life. Victor is survived by his wife, Izabell, his children, Regina and Vitaly, and his grandchildren, Kevin, Valerie, Katrina and Vanden. Visitation will be from 7-7:30 pm, Sunday Feb 22, and will continue following a memorial service which will be held at 7:30pm at Blount & Curry 605 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa. Memorial donations in Victor’s memory to the Wounded Warriors Project would be greatly appreciated.