April 15, 2017
In Memoriam: Rev. Adrian G. Dabash, O.P. ’62 & ’63G; retired art professor, former chaplain
Rev. Adrian George Dabash, O.P. ’62 & ’63G, a retired professor of art who taught at PC for more than 35 years, died at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence on Jan. 27, 2017. In failing health for several years, he had been a resident of the Scandinavian Home in Cranston, R.I. He was 85.
A priest of the Dominican Province of St. Joseph for 46 years and a member of the Priory of St. Thomas Aquinas on campus, he immersed himself in the life of the College for decades. In addition to teaching, Father Dabash served PC as chaplain and as a moderator of several student clubs.
After teaching part time at PC for several years, Father Dabash joined the ordinary faculty as an instructor of art in 1974 and advanced to the rank of professor, retiring in 2010. He primarily taught sculpture and drawing classes. At various times, he taught philosophy and in the Liberal Arts Honors Program.
Father Dabash served as assistant chaplain from 1974-1982 and as chaplain from 1982-1992, concurrently serving as a moderator of the Pastoral Council. He was the moderator of the Art Club, Yoga Club, Fencing Club, and Scuba Diving Club.
Father Dabash was an extremely talented artist himself, sharing his passion not only with his students and the campus community, but with the community at large. He created interior designs and liturgical appointments for sacred and secular spaces, on campus, locally, and as far away as Arizona and Texas. He exhibited his sculptures and other works on campus, in Greater Providence, regionally, and nationally.
He took his love for art to mental health and correctional facilities, including serving as an instructor and art program director at the Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institutions from 1968-1972.
While assigned to PC, he directed many retreats at New England Marian centers. He also ministered regularly over the years to Greek Melkite Catholics in the area. His parents were Greek Melkite Catholics who lived in Lebanon.
“He helped many people, in many ways,” said his dear friend and colleague, Rev. Richard A. McAlister, O.P. ’56, PC professor emeritus of art. “We are all instruments. Each takes his own personality to make that work. He touched the hearts of a lot of people.”
A Brooklyn, N.Y., native, Father Dabash studied in the pre-ecclesiastical program at PC from 1957-1959. He continued his studies from 1960-1963 at St. Stephen Priory in Dover, Mass., where he attained bachelor’s and master’s degrees in philosophy. Father Dabash then studied from 1963-1966 at the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C., receiving a pontifical bachelor of sacred theology degree.
He also earned a master’s degree in theology/liturgy from St. John’s University in Minnesota, as well as a master of arts degree and a master of fine arts degree — both in art/painting — from the University of Dallas.
A U.S. Navy veteran who served from 1950-1955, Father Dabash entered the novitiate of the Dominican Friars at St. Joseph Priory in Somerset, Ohio, in August 1959. He made his simple profession of vows in August 1960 and his solemn profession of vows in August 1963. He was ordained a priest at St. Pius V Church in Providence on Jan. 28, 1971, by Bishop James. M. Dempsey, O.P. of Lokoto, Nigeria.
Father Dabash was the son of the late Najeeb James and Skeey (Ajamy) Dabash, and was the brother of the late Edward R. Dabash. He is survived by a cousin and his Dominican family.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Jan. 31 in Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas Priory. The principal celebrant was Very Rev. Thomas P. McCreesh, O.P. ’65, prior of St. Thomas Aquinas Priory and associate professor of theology. Concelebrants were Dominican Friars of the priory. Burial was in the Dominican Friars’ Cemetery on campus.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Angel Fund, online at givetopc.org, or in care of Providence College, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence, RI 02918-0001.
