In Memory
Edward W. Dabros
October 15, 1942 ~ September 27, 2026 (age 83)
Edward W. Dabros, 83, a cherished legend in the lives of all who knew him, passed away peacefully at his home in Naples, Florida, on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
He was born on October 15, 1942, in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Joseph and Josephine Dabros. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Karen Dzierba, and his son, Eddie Dabros.
Ed graduated from Washington High School in 1961, where he was a star athlete. He was later inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame for football, baseball, and wrestling. He attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, where he played baseball and football. He also answered the call to serve his country in the U.S. Army.
Ed worked for Pepsi-Cola for 22 years before starting Star Darts and Pool with a longtime friend. He spent most of his life in the South Bend area, where family and friends shared countless good times at his lake house and made memories that will be cherished forever.
Above all, Ed was a wonderful father and grandfather who wanted to make sure everyone around him was having fun. One of his greatest joys was making his family laugh—even when the joke was at his own expense. He loved taking his grandchildren fishing and boating and filling their time together with laughter and adventure. The lake house became a special gathering place for family and friends, including his famous “EdStock” party, which was a celebration in every sense of the word.
Ed, affectionately known as “Bucky,” had a passion for golf. He was part of the “Gamblers,” a group known for setting up bets on the front nine, the back nine, putts, and just about anything else he could think of. A few of his irons may still be in the woods along the fairways of Elbel Golf Course—Ed was known to throw a club after a bad shot. And with his notoriously loud voice and infectious laugh, you always knew when Bucky was somewhere on the course.
When he wasn’t on the golf course, Ed was an avid Notre Dame, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago Bears fan. “Watching” a game with Ed was hardly a passive activity. He cheered on his teams with the same larger-than-life personality he brought to everything else, and everyone around him knew exactly how the game was going.
Ed is survived by his daughter, Kim (Brian) Oletti of Fort Myers, Florida; his grandchildren, Michael, Ashley, Kayla, Dominic, Lucas, Jeanne, and Don; and his great-grandchildren, Booker, Scarlet, Olivia, and Maren. He was also lovingly known as “JaJa” to his grandchildren’s friends. He was loved by so many and will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ed’s memory to Avow Hospice in Naples, Florida, at avowcares.org.
Ed’s life was filled with family, friendship, laughter, and more than a few memorable rounds of golf. He had a gift for making life more fun for the people around him. His larger-than-life personality, warmth, unmistakable voice, and infectious laugh will live on in the countless stories and memories shared by those who were fortunate enough to know and love him.
09/29/2026 EJS
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