Alvin Dobbin

Alvin Dobbin passed away peacefully on August 15, 2012 in Bethesda, MD. A lifelong Washingtonian, Alvin “Dobbie” was a respected community businessman who spent 46 years at Giant Food. He started as a part-time cashier in 1954 while attending American University on a scholarship from Giant, and eventually worked his way up through almost every facet of the company. After graduation, he became manager of his first store in 1956, and then became Director of Training and Personnel in 1957 and Warehouse Manager in 1959. In the 1970s, he became Vice President, then Senior Vice President, and finally Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President before retiring in 2000. Throughout his career, he connected with thousands of employees and customers with his genuine friendliness and gentlemanly conduct. He was also invited to companies around the world to share his business expertise.

Alvin raised a devoted family with his wife of 58 years, Joan (Gorin) Dobbin. His children, Steven Dobbin of Mt. Airy, MD, Leslie Dobbin of Rockville, MD, and Mitchell Dobbin, formerly of Boca Raton, FL, loved him dearly for his constant affection, humor, and his accepting, generous nature. He also adored his six grandchildren, Zachary Dobbin, Sydney Dobbin, Andrew Schliep, Matthew Schliep, Rachel Dobbin, and Michael Dobbin, who always looked forward to spending time with their loving Papa.

Alvin believed in the absolute importance in the Golden Rule--always treating everyone the way you would want to be treated--a rule he honored in his life and taught to his family. He always had time to give advice on matters large and small, and he had a kind word for everyone he met. His family and many friends relied on him to the end, and he will be dearly missed.

Services will be held on Friday, August 17 at 1:00 p.m at Danzansky-Goldberg Memorial Chapel in Rockville, Maryland. Interment will follow at Judea Gardens in Olney, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mitchell Dobbin Fund for Rehabilitation at the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington or to the Mitchell Dobbin Maccabi Team Jewish Federation in Boca Raton, Florida.