Tom Dublinski

Tom “The Dubber” Dublinski, devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle, passed away Nov. 26, 2015 surrounded by his family for whom he was the proud and beloved “patriarch.” Tom battled cancer for over 3 years.

Tom was born in Chicago on Aug. 8, 1930 to Thomas M. and Rose Dublinski. He was raised in a strong Catholic family and was taught by nuns in elementary school; Jesuit priests in high school.

Tom’s family moved to Hinsdale, Ill. where he attended high school and excelled in sports, especially football as a quarterback, and was all Chicago area quarterback his senior year.

Tom earned a scholarship to the University of Utah where he lettered three years between 1949-1954.

He led The Utes to a conference championship in 1957 and placed fourth nationally in total offense. Tom was one of the greatest passing quarter backs at the U of U, and the first quarterback from The U of U to go on to play professional football.

Tom played 11 years of pro ball. He played on six division leagues (four NFL and two Canadian FL) and played in two NFL championships with the Detroit Lions. He was the first pro quarterback to play offense and defense in the 1954 Chicago Tribune NFL Venus College All Stars.

His first year with the Toronto Argonauts he threw 33 touchdowns for a CFC Record. He played quarterback in the first Champion East-West All Star game in 1955.

Tom was inducted into the U of U Crimson Club Hall of Fame in 1993. At the U of U, he was an active and loyal Phi Delta Theta Fraternity brother. Tom met Jo Ann Hurley and married her in 1953. They had five children together and enjoyed 62 years of marriage.

Tom was very successful in the insurance business. He was active in many community affairs including serving as a Grand Knight with The Knights of Columbus. Tom enjoyed golf, spectator sports and Pinochle.

Tom is survived by his wife, Jo Ann; his brother, James L.; five children, Michael (Sue), Karen (George), Bill (Dori), Mary Jo (Paul Felstup) and Richard (Kathy); 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren with two more on the way.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, http://www.mda.org, or to Hearts for Hospice, http://heartsforhospiceandhomehealth.com.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, Dec. 4, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes, 1065 E 700 S, Salt Lake City. Online condolences may be offered and a tribute slideshow may be viewed at www.starksfuneral.com.