Dana Dokmanovich Was Late NFL Star Franco Harris's Partner & Is the Mother of Their Lawyer Son

Dana Dokmanovich shared an enduring relationship with the late athlete Franco Harris. She loved and stood by him, appreciating his athletic prowess, kindness, and composed demeanor.

In the public eye, Franco Harris was celebrated for his stellar achievements in football. Yet, behind the scenes, Dana Dokmanovich played a huge role as his supportive and understanding partner.

Despite the couple never tying the knot, Dokmanovich, who went on to become a mother of their only son, showed that their bond was more than fancy traditional weddings and expensive rings.

Dana Dokmanovich Started Dating Her Partner in College

Dokmanovich is of Serbian descent, as mentioned in the 1989 book "About Three Bricks Shy And The Load Filled Up." She worked as an Eastern Airlines flight attendant and was in a long-term relationship with Harris since college.

Harris gained fame for playing in the National Football League (NFL). Drafted in 1979, the New Jersey native went on to play initially with the Pittsburgh Steelers and later joined the Seattle Seahawks.

Although the couple were never officially married, Harris constantly introduced Dokmanovich as his "wife." Throughout their relationship, Dokmanovich supported his generous spirit. She said:

"I always say Franco is the one person I know of who's going to go straight up to heaven."

The Serbian beauty mentioned that Harris was frequently involved in charity work, often away, and kept some aspects of his philanthropy private, not wanting to admit the full extent of what he does for people.

She highlighted Harris's ability to avoid arguments and maintain his own pace. She noted that it did not faze him even when she raised her voice in disagreements, underscoring his composed demeanor.

Dana Dokmanovich's Son Is a Lawyer and Businessman

Dokmanovich and the football athlete share an only son, Franco Dokmanovich Harris, affectionately known as "Dok." In contrast to his father, Franco chose a different path.

Franco has an impressive educational background. He graduated high school from Sewickley Academy in 1994 and obtained a bachelor's degree in American Government and Politics from Princeton University in 2001.

He completed his MBA at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business from 2005 to 2008. Simultaneously, he pursued a Doctor of Law at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, finishing the program from 2004 to 2008.

Franco, now an attorney, notably ventured into politics and ran as a mayor of Pittsburgh in 2009, but he lost the elections. Still based in his hometown, he manages a donut business named Super Bakery, founded by his father.

Dana Dokmanovich's Last Appearance Was in December 2022

Dokmanovich does not have social media accounts, but she appeared in the public eye. She and Harris were prominent attendees at various NFL Honors events in California in 2016 and Atlanta in 2019.

Their presence extended to the glamorous red carpet of the 148th Kentucky Derby in May 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky. Sadly, this event marked their final public appearance as a couple, as Harris died in December of that year at the age of 72.

His death came just a few days before the 50th anniversary of his signature move, "Immaculate Reception," also known as the shoestring catch. This involved catching the ball inches above the ground and swiftly running it into the end zone for a touchdown.

Due to Harris's passing, Dokmanovich, her son, and Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II attended the late athlete's jersey retirement ceremony at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on December 24, 2022.

Harris's passing adds to the list of notable athletes who passed away in 2022, including Marcia Aoki's husband, Brazilian football star Pelé, and former basketball star Bill Russell.

In a speech, Dokmanovich spoke about Harris's positive influence on the people he met with. She emphasized his ability to see and support everyone, even those facing difficulties, and encouraged others to keep his spirit alive in their hearts.