Dana Dokmanovich is best known as the wife of Franco Harris, one of the greatest football players in NFL history. While her husband became famous for his amazing career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dana chose to live a quiet life away from the cameras. Her story is about love, family, and staying strong through good times and bad.
Biography of Elisa Larregui
| Full Name | Dana Dokmanovich |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1951-1954 (age 70-73 years) |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Parents | Peter and Bess Dokmanovich |
| Heritage | Serbian-American |
| Education | Penn State University |
| Occupation | Former Model, Flight Attendant |
| Spouse | Franco Harris (married 1972 – 2022) |
| Children | Franco “Dok” Harris Jr. |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches |
| Net Worth | Approximately $600,000 |
Early Life and Family Background
Dana Dokmanovich was born in the early 1950s in the United States. Her parents, Peter and Bess Dokmanovich, came to America from Serbia looking for a better life. They brought with them strong values about hard work, family, and staying humble.
Growing up in a Serbian-American household, Dana learned the importance of family unity and dedication. Her parents worked hard to give her a good education and opportunities. These early lessons shaped who Dana would become as a wife, mother, and person.
College Days at Penn State
Dana attended Penn State University, where she focused on her studies and built her future. During her time at college, she also worked as a model. She walked the runway for big fashion brands like Calvin Klein and Victoria’s Secret. This showed her independence and drive to succeed on her own.
But the most important thing that happened at Penn State was meeting Franco Harris. He was a talented football player at the university, and their paths crossed through mutual friends and campus life. They became friends first, and slowly, that friendship turned into something deeper.
Falling in Love with Franco Harris
Franco Harris was born on March 7, 1950, and grew up in a military family. He had big dreams of playing professional football. When he met Dana at Penn State, he found not just a girlfriend, but a true partner who understood and supported his goals.
Their relationship grew during their college years. Dana stood by Franco as he practiced hard and worked toward his dream of playing in the NFL. In 1972, just before Franco was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, the couple got married in a private ceremony. They wanted their special day to be about them and their close family, not about fame or attention.
Building a Family Together
In 1979, seven years after getting married, Dana and Franco welcomed their son, Franco “Dok” Harris Jr. Being a mother became one of Dana’s most important roles. She made sure that Dok had a normal childhood, even though his father was a famous football star.
Dana was protective of her son. She didn’t want him to feel pressure because of his father’s success. Interestingly, Dana encouraged Dok to stay away from football. She worried about the physical risks of the sport. Instead, Dok focused on education and followed his own path. He attended Princeton University and later studied law. Today, he works as a lawyer and has been involved in politics and business.
Dana’s Career Path
Before and during her marriage, Dana had her own career. After her modeling days, she worked as a flight attendant. This job showed her professional side and her desire to be independent. Even as Franco’s career took off, Dana continued to work and contribute to their family.
She also helped Franco with his business projects. Franco co-founded Super Bakery, a company that made healthy baked goods for schools. He was also involved with Parks Sausage Company. Dana worked behind the scenes, helping with organization and financial decisions. Her business sense and teamwork made these ventures more successful.
Life with a Sports Legend
Being married to an NFL superstar wasn’t always easy. Franco Harris became one of the most famous players in football history. He made “The Immaculate Reception” in 1972, one of the most famous plays ever in the NFL. He won four Super Bowl championships with the Pittsburgh Steelers and later joined the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Throughout Franco’s career, Dana handled the challenges of fame with grace. She attended games, award ceremonies, and public events, but she never tried to steal the spotlight. She was happy to support Franco while keeping her own life private.
The constant media attention could have been difficult, but Dana stayed focused on what mattered most: her family. She created a peaceful home where Franco could relax after games and where Dok could grow up normally.
Giving Back to the Community
Dana believed in helping others. She worked quietly on community projects and charity work throughout her life. She supported programs that helped children, families, and education. Through Franco’s businesses like Super Bakery, she also promoted healthy eating in schools.
Dana never looked for recognition for her charity work. She simply wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. Her kindness and generosity touched many people, even if the world didn’t always see it.
Facing Loss with Strength
On December 21, 2022, Franco Harris passed away at the age of 72. His death came just two days before the 50th anniversary celebration of the Immaculate Reception. The news shocked the sports world and deeply saddened Dana and her family.
After Franco’s death, the family released a statement saying: “We are truly heartbroken. Franco represents what is best in humanity: kindness, charity, decency and humility.” These words showed the kind of man Franco was and the values he and Dana shared.
Since losing her husband, Dana has continued to honor his memory. She remains private but carries on the legacy of love and service that defined their life together.
Dana’s Legacy
Dana Dokmanovich may not have sought fame, but her impact is real. She was the steady support behind one of football’s greatest players. She raised a successful son who makes his own mark on the world. She helped her community and touched many lives through quiet acts of kindness.
Her story reminds us that not all heroes wear uniforms or stand in the spotlight. Sometimes the strongest people are those who support others, keep families together, and spread kindness without asking for anything in return.
Today, Dana’s net worth is estimated at around $600,000, reflecting her careful financial decisions and modest lifestyle. She stands about 5 feet 6 inches tall, with blonde hair and brown eyes. But more than her appearance or money, Dana is remembered for her character, strength, and loving heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did Dana Dokmanovich meet Franco Harris?
Dana met Franco Harris while they were both students at Penn State University. They became friends through campus life and mutual connections, and their friendship eventually grew into love.
2. When did Dana and Franco get married?
Dana and Franco married in 1972 in a private ceremony. This was just before Franco started his professional football career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
3. Does Dana Dokmanovich have children?
Yes, Dana and Franco have one son named Franco “Dok” Harris Jr., who was born in 1979. He is now a lawyer and has been involved in business and politics.
4. What did Dana do for work?
Dana worked as a fashion model for brands like Calvin Klein and Victoria’s Secret during her college years. Later, she became a flight attendant and also helped manage Franco’s business ventures.
5. Is Dana Dokmanovich still alive?
Yes, Dana is still alive. After Franco Harris passed away in December 2022, she continues to honor his memory while maintaining her private life.
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