Father Stanley J. Dombrowski, Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, who retired as Pastor of St. Cecilia Parish in Fort Myers in 2020 after serving for 19 years, died Oct. 8, 2025, in Fort Myers at the age of 78.
Father Dombrowski was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1947 and made his first profession with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales in 1979. He was ordained to the priesthood May 5, 1983, and first served as a teacher in Wilmington, Delaware, then as campus minister at Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales in Pennsylvania. He later served as a U.S. Navy Chaplain, including during Operation Desert Storm, before arriving at St. Cecilia Parish in Fort Myers in 1998.
At St. Cecilia, Father Dombrowski served for 22 years, first as a Parochial Vicar, and then, from 2001 until his retirement in 2020, as Pastor. During his time as Pastor, he oversaw the construction of Marian Hall which was blessed by Bishop Frank J. Dewane in 2019. After his retirement, Father continued to reside at the Parish rectory and assist in priestly ministry at St. Cecilia and other Parishes in Lee County.
Well known for his kindness, caring, and sense of humor with everyone at St. Cecilia, Father worked in big and small ways to build a sense of community and family among the members of the congregation.
He is survived by his sisters Marcia, Christine, and Michaelene, his many nieces and nephews, his St. Cecilia family, and his Oblate confreres.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Father Dombrowski was held Oct. 16, at St. Cecilia Parish, 5632 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers, with Bishop Dewane present.
On Tuesday, Oct 21, at the Oblate Retirement Residence in Childs, Maryland, there will be visitation at 10 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. Memorial Mass. Burial will immediately follow at the Oblate Cemetery.
Please pray for the repose of Father Dombrowski’s soul and the consolation of his family. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in eternal peace.
