Eugene "Jim" Dovin

Eugene “Jim” Dovin, 84, of Richmondale, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday morning. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Beatrice (Benarick) Dovin.

Born on August 25, 1941, in Carbondale, Jim was the son of the late Joseph and Helen (Hoholick) Dovin. A dedicated businessman, he owned and operated Dovin Distributors for 20 years before beginning a long and respected career with the Lackawanna County Assessor’s Office, where he served as Chief Assessor for 23 years. Together with his wife, he also owned JD’s Bar in Forest City.

Jim was known for his exceptional cooking skills—especially his famous clam chowder, venison, haluski, and rice bologna.

A proud and lifelong member of the Browndale Fire Company, he served the community for over 55 years in various leadership roles, including Chief and Treasurer. He also founded the company’s successful 200 Club fundraiser, which supported the fire company for many years. Additionally, Jim was a charter member of the Richmondale Hunting Club.

He is survived by his son, James Dovin and wife Jennifer, of Richmondale; two granddaughters, Katelyn and Jenna; two brothers, Joe Dovin (Susan) of Browndale and Robert Dovin of Forest City; three sisters, Joyce Sheppard (James) of Schenectady, NY; Carol Surace of Myrtle Beach, SC; and Paulette Niedopytalski of Great Bend, PA; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Trudy Zerchak; brother, Edward Dovin; sister-in-law, Sandra Dovin; and brothers-in-law, Jack Zerchak, Jack Niedopytalski, and Francis Surace.

A Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 AM at St. John’s Byzantine Catholic Church, Forest City. Friends are asked to go directly to church. Interment in St. John’s Cemetery, Richmondale.

Viewing will be held Monday from 4-7 PM at the Kevin M. Lesjack Funeral Home, 513 Main Street, Forest City.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the Browndale Fire Company, 620 Main Street, Browndale, PA 18421 or to the Richmondale Hunting Club, 52 Delaware Street, Simpson, PA 18407.

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