Robert Joseph Dovichak
June 21, 1947 - April 16, 2022

Robert “Bob” Joseph Dovichak, 74, of Wilmington, NC, died peacefully Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Lower
Cape Fear LifeCare Center.

Bob was born in Erie, PA on June 21, 1947, to John Alexander and Rose Hermine (Shuster) Dovichak. As a
young man Bob attended St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, NY for two years before returning
home to complete high school. He graduated from Penn State University in State College, PA, with a
Bachelor of Arts in Communications in 1969, and served in the Air Force Reserves from 1969 to 1972.
Bob found professional success as an advertising sales executive for Forward Communications in Sioux
City, IA and Peoria, IL.

In 1975, Bob met and married Nora Ink of Cleveland, OH. Sons Christopher John (1978) and Jonathan
Robert (1981) were born in Sioux City, and in 1981 the family relocated to Wilmington, NC where they
opened three Little King Deli and Pizza restaurants. Bob was an avid golfer, voracious reader and
enjoyed traveling, cooking and time with his family. His sincerity and wry sense of humor made him
successful in business, but his generosity of spirit made him even more successful in life. He will be
deeply missed.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Jack Dovishaw and Steve Dovichak; and sister-in-law
Carol (Laird) Dovishaw. He is survived by his wife Nora; sons Christopher and Jonathan; daughter-in-law
Tammy (White) Dovichak; granddaughters Arabella Elise Grigley and Arianna Nicole Salle; grandson Fox
William Dovichak; siblings Margaret Burkell of Richmond, VA, Catherine Grzelka and Don Dovichak of
Erie, PA; and sister-in-law Kathleen (DiLuzio) Dovichak of Erie.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass celebrating Bob’s life at 9am on Monday, May 9
at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wilmington, NC. In lieu of flowers donations may be made
to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare (https://lifecare.org/donate/) or Oblates of St. Frances de Sales
(https://www.oblates.org/support-us). Messages of condolence can also be shared at

Robert Joseph Dovichak


5 Comments

  • Yolanda Gooden Posted April 20, 2022 7:05 am

    Sending my condolences in a time of sorrow, Praying for peace for you and your family Nora, while dealing with the loss of your husband.

  • Sheila Harp Posted April 20, 2022 9:57 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Nora.

  • Hansen Matthews Posted April 20, 2022 11:23 am

    I met Bob in 1981 when he first moved to Wilmington and I had just started in the commercial real estate brokerage business. He had obtained the franchise for Little King and he was energized with entrepreneurism. He always had an optimistic outlook and can-do attitude. I’ve not seen him for many years, but I extend my condolences to the family.

  • Cari Ogden Posted April 21, 2022 2:24 pm

    Little King Deli and Pizza restaurants……This is where I was fortunate enough to meet and work for Bob Dovichak (and his wife Nora).
    *postive, genuine, supportive, generous*
    (as well as service to our country)
    Posters with motivational and encouraging words could be found at any given time around our work stations. Bob set a great example of the importance of work family and day to day living guideline, ones that we should all should embrace…… Something that should never go out of style…

    Nora and family, I wanted to let you know that I am wishing you peaceful thoughts as you remember the memories you made.. that no one can take away….

  • Marcella Baine-Brown Posted April 28, 2022 10:28 am

    I too worked for Bob. Everything I know about customer service I learned from this awesome man. The world’s light is just a little dimmer because he is no longer with us. Nora, Jonathan and Chris may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” Love you guys!


Add Condolence Message

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *