Oct. 27, 1927 – Dec. 28, 2025
Beaufort, S.C.
Col. Joseph Richard Dobbratz, USMC, 98, devout Catholic, devoted husband, beloved father, treasured grandfather, supportive brother, wise uncle, consummate Naval Aviator, singer of songs, excellent dancer, and one hell of a golf partner, passed away peacefully on Dec. 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and cherished care givers at his home in Beaufort, S.C.
He was a man among men who lived an incredible life defined by faith, integrity, and morality. A true gentleman, he was the epitome of a “Good Man” who provided unwavering loyalty, understanding, and guidance to his family, comrades in arms, numerous friends, and acquaintances. He turned many a wrong into a right, he was a hero in the fight. His mind remained strong and his sense of humor never left him.
Born in Brighton, Mass., near Boston, on Oct. 27, 1927, he was predeceased by his remarkable parents Joseph and Mary. An impressive athlete, he lettered in multiple varsity sports with ice hockey having been his favorite. He often spoke fondly of the many days spent “on the ice” honing his skills. He could still throw a mean curve ball or spiral a football into his 70’s and often scored his age on the golf course into his 90’s.
Col. Joe’s military career began immediately after high school when he enlisted into the Coast Guard during World War II. After the war, he was the first in his family to attend college. He utilized the GI Bill, graduated from Boston College in 1951, and completed the first Officer Candidate Course since World War I at Parris Island. He served at a Forward Air Base during the Korean War, attended Flight School afterward, and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1954.
To say Joe was a prolific Naval Aviator is an understatement. During his 20 years of active flight orders, he amassed 4,000 hours in nine models of helicopters, three models of fighter jets, and three models of transports. He jokingly referred to himself as an “Unrestricted Naval Aviator.” Undoubtedly, if he could start it, he could fly it. Miraculously, in 1956, he successfully ditched two helicopters into the sea and all aboard survived.
He logged 800 hours piloting the C-130 in support of Operation Deep Freeze during the early 60’s flying missions from New Zealand into Antarctica. Ten years after last having been in Antarctica, he was unexpectedly notified that Dobbratz Glacier was named in his honor by the U.S. Board on Geographic names.
He was one of few Naval Aviators ever to have been a Commanding Officer of a Recruit Training Battalion at Parris Island. He was the Commanding Officer of a Headquarters Squadron, two helicopter squadrons, and a Marine Wing Support Group.
During the most intensive months of the Vietnam battle of Khe Sanh, he was the Commanding Officer of HMM-364 (Purple Foxes) and logged 260 hours of Combat Flight time and was awarded 12 Air Medals. Additional awards earned were the World War II victory medal, Korean Service medal with 2 stars, Antarctica service medal, Vietnam service medal with 5 stars and V for valor, and 4 combat action ribbons.
When he returned from Vietnam he assumed the duties of the Executive Officer, MCAS Beaufort. His last tour of duty was Chief of Staff, Marine Corps Development and Education Command, Quantico, Va. where he retired at the age of 54, in September of 1981, after 31 years of active service.
For the past 44 years, Joe and the love of his life, Catherine Schaefer Dobbratz, (Dinksy), of Port Royal, S.C., enjoyed a well earned retirement and resided in their home at Pleasant Point. He loved Dinksy more than life itself. He often stated “Your mother is a saint, I don’t know where I’d be without her” and he meant it.
A husband and father who often participated in the preparation of special family meals; who upon hearing a familiar tune on the radio, would put the utensils down, take his adored lady by the arm, and the two would effortlessly dance while their children watched in admiration. Through his words and actions, he taught his children that the most important thing a father could do was to love their mother.
Together, with Dinksy, he traveled the world, hosted many a feast, gave awesome annual parties, enjoyed (aka spoiled) his grandchildren, and entertained a myriad of guests. As a Member of the Beaufort Rotary, their motto “Service Above Self” was tailor made for a man of his disposition.
An amazing and wonderful man, Joe Dobbratz, as they say in aviation terms, has “departed the pattern.” He left this world only days ago with an unshakable faith on a flight to where he was destined to be. He departed with the knowledge that he would rendezvous with his loved ones in due time. Until then, he will be missed by many and his memory will endure.
He is survived by his wife Dinksy, son Matthew Smith, son William (Jenny) Dobbratz, daughters Cathy Diller and Mimi (Wes) Cox, grandchildren Marshall Smith, Dylan and Alex Cox, Schaefer and Annie Dobbratz, nephews Geoffrey (Mary) and Greg Spades, and niece Judith (Barry)Collin. Joe was predeceased by his son in law Russell Diller and his three sisters Agnes, Francis(Spades), and Gertrude who affectionately called their younger brother Skipper.
Visitation will be held at Anderson Funeral Home in Beaufort on Thursday, Jan, 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, Jan. 9 at 11 a.m. with internment to follow at 1 p.m. at the Beaufort National Cemetery.
