Dana Dokmanovich was the devoted wife of NFL Hall of Famer Franco Harris for over four decades until his death on December 21, 2022. Born around 1951 to Serbian immigrants, she was a former model and flight attendant who built a private life supporting her legendary husband.
Franco Harris made the “Immaculate Reception” famous. He won four Super Bowls and earned a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But behind every game, every championship ring, and every public appearance stood Dana—quiet, strong, and completely content to let her husband shine while she held everything together at home.
Quick Facts About Dana Dokmanovich
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dana Dokmanovich |
| Date of Birth | Circa 1951-1954 |
| Age | 71-74 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | United States (Serbian heritage) |
| Parents | Peter Dokmanovich (father), Bess Dokmanovich (mother) |
| Siblings | Gary Dokmanovich (brother) |
| Husband | Franco Harris (deceased December 21, 2022) |
| Children | Franco “Dok” Harris Jr. (born 1979) |
| Education | Penn State University (Graduate degree) |
| Profession | Former Model, Former Flight Attendant |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian (Serbian-American) |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Net Worth | Estimated $200,000 – $600,000 |
| Current Residence | Sewickley, Pennsylvania |
Who Is Dana Dokmanovich?
Dana Dokmanovich is the widow of NFL legend Franco Harris. She was born between 1951 and 1954 to Serbian immigrant parents Peter and Bess Dokmanovich.
Unlike many NFL wives who sought their own spotlight, Dana deliberately chose privacy. She attended public events with Franco when necessary but never pursued fame for herself. She didn’t give interviews, write memoirs, or build a social media presence.
This privacy made her one of the most mysterious figures in NFL history despite being married to one of its greatest players. Fans knew Franco Harris. They recognized his iconic plays and celebrated his achievements. But Dana? She remained an elegant figure in photos, always beside her husband, rarely the focus of attention.
Her life centered on three things: supporting Franco’s career, raising their son Dok, and maintaining their family’s privacy and normalcy despite living in Pittsburgh, where Franco was practically royalty.
Early Life and Serbian Heritage
Dana’s parents, Peter and Bess Dokmanovich, immigrated to the United States from Serbia. They settled in Pennsylvania, where they raised Dana and her brother Gary in a traditional Serbian household.
Peter Dokmanovich was a World War II veteran who served his country before building a life in America. He was a member of St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, showing his commitment to maintaining Serbian cultural and religious traditions in his new home.
Bess Dokmanovich, Dana’s mother, was born in Clairton, Pennsylvania. She worked as a homemaker, dedicating herself to raising her children and maintaining their household. Bess was a lifelong member of the Democratic Party and an active participant in her church community.
Growing up in a Serbian immigrant household meant Dana learned the values of hard work, family loyalty, and cultural pride. These values shaped how she approached her own life and marriage.
The Dokmanovich family emphasized education, perseverance, and maintaining dignity regardless of circumstances. These lessons served Dana well when she later became an NFL wife dealing with public attention and the pressures that come with fame.
Peter Dokmanovich passed away on October 8, 2010, at age 85. Bess followed him a year later, dying on November 8, 2011. Both lived long enough to see their grandson Dok become an accomplished attorney and businessman.
Education at Penn State University
Dana attended Penn State University, where she earned a graduate degree. The specific field of study remains undisclosed, keeping with her lifelong commitment to privacy.
Penn State is where her life changed forever. It’s where she met Franco Harris, a rising star on the football team under legendary coach Joe Paterno.
While at Penn State, Dana also pursued modeling work. She attended modeling school in New York City and worked with major brands including Calvin Klein and Victoria’s Secret. This modeling career showed her ambition and willingness to pursue opportunities beyond traditional education.
Balancing graduate studies with modeling work required discipline and time management—skills that would serve her well as an NFL wife managing a household while Franco traveled for games and training camps.
Her time at Penn State in the early 1970s coincided with Franco’s breakthrough years as a running back. He was setting school records and preparing for the NFL draft while Dana completed her education and built her own career foundation.
Meeting Franco Harris: A College Love Story
Dana and Franco met at Penn State University in the early 1970s. The exact details of their first meeting remain private, as both preferred to keep their personal story between them.
Franco was a star running back for the Nittany Lions under Coach Joe Paterno. In 1971, his junior year, he won the Walter Camp and Maxwell Awards and helped lead Penn State to a national championship. By 1972, he was projected as a first-round NFL draft pick.
Dana was completing her graduate degree while working as a model. She could have pursued full-time modeling or other professional opportunities in New York City or other major markets. Instead, she chose Franco.
Their relationship grew serious quickly. While Franco focused on football and preparing for the NFL, Dana provided stability and support. She understood the demands of his sport and the sacrifices required to succeed at the highest level.
When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Franco with the 13th overall pick in the 1972 NFL Draft, Dana’s life changed completely. She would now be the partner of a professional athlete in a city where football was religion and the Steelers were gods.
They married privately before Franco’s rookie season began. No wedding photos, no celebrity magazines, no public announcements. Just a quiet ceremony that reflected their preference for keeping their private life private.
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Life as an NFL Wife
Dana became Franco’s wife just as he entered the NFL. His rookie season in 1972 set records—he rushed for 1,246 yards and 13 touchdowns, winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
That same rookie year, on December 23, 1972, Franco made the “Immaculate Reception”—the most famous play in NFL history. With 22 seconds left in a playoff game, Franco caught a deflected pass and ran it in for a touchdown, giving the Steelers their first-ever playoff victory.
Overnight, Franco went from promising rookie to Pittsburgh legend. Dana went from newlywed to wife of a celebrity.
The Steelers dominated the 1970s. They won Super Bowls IX, X, XIII, and XIV between 1975 and 1980. Franco was selected to nine Pro Bowls. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
Through all of this, Dana managed their household. She dealt with the constant attention in Pittsburgh, where people recognized Franco everywhere. She attended games, events, and charity functions when required. She smiled for photos and made polite conversation with fans, sponsors, and team officials.
But she never sought her own spotlight. She never gave revealing interviews or wrote tell-all books. She protected their family’s privacy fiercely, especially after their son was born.
Life as an NFL wife meant dealing with Franco’s demanding schedule. Training camps, preseason games, regular season games, playoffs, Pro Bowl selections—football consumed most of the year. Add in endorsement deals, public appearances, and business ventures, and Franco had very little time at home.
Dana handled everything else. She managed their finances, maintained their home, and later raised their son largely on her own during football season. She made sure Franco could focus entirely on football without worrying about anything off the field.
Franco Harris: The Legend She Married
Franco Harris was born on March 7, 1950, in Fort Dix, New Jersey. His father, Cad Harris, was African American. His mother, Gina Parenti, was Italian. This mixed heritage made Franco one of the few Italian-American stars in the NFL during the 1970s.
He attended Rancocas Valley Regional High School in New Jersey before accepting a football scholarship to Penn State. Under Joe Paterno, he developed into one of college football’s best running backs.
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him in 1972. He played 12 seasons for Pittsburgh (1972-1983) before finishing his career with one season with the Seattle Seahawks in 1984.
His career statistics are impressive:
- 12,120 rushing yards (13th all-time when he retired)
- 91 rushing touchdowns
- 9 Pro Bowl selections
- 4 Super Bowl championships
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1972)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (1990)
- Pittsburgh Steelers Ring of Honor
Beyond statistics, Franco’s impact on Pittsburgh culture cannot be overstated. The city adopted him completely. His Italian heritage connected him to Pittsburgh’s large Italian-American community. His running style—powerful, consistent, reliable—reflected the city’s blue-collar work ethic.
He remained in Pittsburgh after retirement, building businesses and staying involved in the community. He co-founded Super Bakery, which supplied nutritious baked goods to schools. He served as president of Parks Sausage Company. He did charity work and made countless appearances supporting local causes.
Franco represented kindness, humility, and decency. He never let fame change who he was. Much of that groundedness came from Dana’s stabilizing presence throughout his life.
Their Son: Franco “Dok” Harris Jr.
Dana and Franco welcomed their only child, Franco Dokmanovich Harris Jr., in 1979. He’s known as “Dok”—a nickname combining “Dokmanovich” with his role as his parents’ son.
Dok was born seven years into Franco’s NFL career. By then, the Steelers had won three Super Bowls and Franco was established as one of the league’s premier running backs.
Dana made it clear from the beginning: Dok would not play football. Despite having one of the greatest running backs in NFL history as his father, Dok never suited up for organized football.
Pittsburgh Magazine reported that even if Sewickley Academy, Dok’s high school, had fielded a football team, Dana “wasn’t about to let her only child enter the tackling world of shoulder pads and cleats.”
This decision shows Dana’s influence in the family. She witnessed the physical toll football took on Franco. She saw the injuries, the pain, the long-term health concerns. She wanted something different for her son.
Dok attended St. Peter’s for kindergarten before transferring to Sewickley Academy, an exclusive private school in Pittsburgh. He wrestled and played tennis for the varsity teams—sports with lower injury risks than football.
After graduating from Sewickley Academy, Dok attended Princeton University, where he majored in political economy. This Ivy League education positioned him for success in business, law, or politics rather than sports.
He then earned his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School of Business. This combination of legal training and business education gave him versatile skills.
In 2009, at age 30, Dok ran for mayor of Pittsburgh against incumbent Luke Ravenstahl. While he didn’t win, his campaign demonstrated his commitment to public service and civic engagement.
He now works as an attorney and businessman in Pittsburgh. He’s involved in various ventures and community activities, building his own legacy separate from his father’s football fame.
Dok remains unmarried as of 2025. In a 2010 Pittsburgh Magazine interview, he described himself as “still single.” There’s no public information about him having children, meaning Dana doesn’t have grandchildren yet.
The relationship between Dok and his parents appeared close and loving. Franco often expressed pride in his son’s accomplishments. Dana succeeded in raising a son who valued education, service, and character over fame and athletic glory.
Dana’s Career: From Modeling to Flight Attendant
Before fully dedicating herself to family life, Dana had her own professional pursuits. Her modeling career began during her college years and continued briefly afterward.
She attended modeling school in New York City and worked with major brands including Calvin Klein and Victoria’s Secret. These weren’t small-time gigs—these were top-tier fashion brands that only hired models who met strict standards.
Her height (5’6″), blonde hair, and brown eyes fit the modeling industry’s preferences during the 1970s. She had the look, the training, and the opportunities to build a successful modeling career.
But she chose a different path. After marrying Franco and moving to Pittsburgh, Dana left the modeling world behind. The industry was centered in New York, Los Angeles, and international markets—not Pittsburgh.
She then worked as a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines. This career choice reflected her love of travel and desire to see the world beyond Pennsylvania.
The flight attendant job also provided flexibility that modeling didn’t. She could work when Franco’s schedule allowed and take time off during critical periods of the football season or when family demands increased.
Her mother Bess moved to Pittsburgh to live with Dana and Franco. Bess helped with household management and later helped care for young Dok. She described herself as “Franco’s mother-in-law-so-to-speak” and even worked as his secretary, handling correspondence and administrative tasks.
This family support system allowed Dana to maintain some professional independence while supporting Franco’s career and raising Dok.
Eventually, Dana stopped working as a flight attendant to focus entirely on family. By then, Franco’s NFL salary and business ventures provided more than enough financial security.
Business Ventures and Financial Contributions
Dana wasn’t just a supportive wife—she was actively involved in Franco’s business ventures. She contributed behind the scenes to their financial success.
Franco co-founded Super Bakery in 1990, the year he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The company supplied high-nutrition baked goods to schools across the country. It became a successful business that continues operating today.
He also served as president of Parks Sausage Company, a minority-owned meat processing company based in Baltimore. His role involved both management and serving as a public face for the brand.
Dana’s involvement in these ventures isn’t well-documented publicly, which is typical for her preference for privacy. However, successful family businesses rarely succeed without spousal support in areas like financial oversight, strategic planning, and operational management.
Her graduate degree from Penn State likely provided useful knowledge for business administration. Her experience managing their household budget and finances during Franco’s playing career demonstrated financial competence.
Franco’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated at $30 million. This wealth came from his NFL salary, business ventures, endorsement deals, and smart investments over five decades.
Dana’s personal net worth is estimated between $200,000 and $600,000. This represents her own earnings from modeling and her flight attendant career, plus assets in her name from the estate.
After Franco’s death, his wealth passed to Dana and Dok. They inherited his share of business ventures, real estate holdings, and other assets accumulated during his lifetime.
Life in Pittsburgh: Home and Community
Dana and Franco made Pittsburgh their permanent home. They raised Dok there and became deeply embedded in the community.
They lived in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, an affluent suburb about 12 miles northwest of downtown Pittsburgh. Sewickley is known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and strong sense of community—perfect for a family seeking privacy while staying connected to the city.
Their home provided sanctuary from Franco’s public life. Inside those walls, he could be just a husband and father rather than a legend. Dana created an environment where normal family life was possible despite the fame just outside the door.
Pittsburgh embraced the Harris family completely. Franco’s Italian heritage connected him to the city’s large Italian-American population. His working-class values matched the city’s blue-collar ethos. His loyalty—playing 12 of 13 NFL seasons for the Steelers—endeared him to fans who valued commitment.
Dana participated in community life through charitable work and church involvement. She supported causes related to children’s education, health, and welfare.
Her mother Bess was also active in the community through St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church. The family maintained connections to Pittsburgh’s Serbian community, honoring their heritage while building new American roots.
Franco’s Death: December 21, 2022
Franco Harris died on December 21, 2022, at age 72. His son Dok confirmed he passed away overnight. No official cause of death was released, though reports suggested he died peacefully in his sleep from natural causes.
The timing was heartbreaking. Franco died just two days before the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception—December 23, 1972. The Steelers had planned massive celebrations for the anniversary, including retiring Franco’s number 32 jersey.
Franco had been active and engaged in the days before his death. He attended events celebrating the anniversary. He seemed healthy and excited about the upcoming festivities. His sudden death shocked everyone who knew him.
The family released a statement through the Pittsburgh Steelers:
“We are truly heartbroken. The reality of losing such a magnificent individual has not yet settled in. We have shared Franco with so many people throughout our lives and in so many ways. Beyond his incredible career in the NFL, Franco represents what is best in humanity: kindness, charity, decency and humility. He led by example on and off the field with the goal of making this a better world for us all. We know he has touched so many of you and we mourn with you. We will remain steadfast in living and achieving the world he wanted to build.”
The statement came from the family collectively—Dana, Dok, and extended family members. Dana herself did not give individual interviews or make separate public statements, maintaining her lifelong preference for privacy even in profound grief.
Pittsburgh mourned. The city that had celebrated Franco for five decades now grieved him. Fans left flowers, jerseys, and handwritten notes at Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field). The Steelers held a moment of silence before their next game.
The 50th anniversary celebration of the Immaculate Reception continued as planned, but now as a memorial rather than just a celebration. Franco’s number 32 was officially retired during a ceremony honoring his life and legacy.
Life After Loss: Dana’s Current Life
Dana Dokmanovich is now between 71 and 74 years old. She continues living in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, the home she shared with Franco for decades.
She remains intensely private. After Franco’s death, she didn’t give interviews or make public appearances. She attended the memorial services and jersey retirement ceremony but avoided media attention as much as possible.
Her son Dok handles any public communications about his father’s legacy. He serves as the family spokesperson when needed, protecting his mother from unwanted attention during her grief.
Dana’s daily life likely centers on family, longtime friends, and personal interests like gardening and reading that she’s enjoyed for years. She has financial security from Franco’s estate and doesn’t need to work.
At her age, she may also be dealing with her own health concerns and the normal challenges of aging. Losing a spouse after more than 40 years together is one of life’s most difficult experiences, requiring time and support to process.
She has Dok nearby in Pittsburgh. He remains close with his mother and presumably provides emotional support and practical help as needed.
Whether Dana will eventually share her memories of Franco publicly remains unknown. She could write a memoir, give interviews, or participate in documentaries about her husband’s life and legacy. But based on her lifelong commitment to privacy, she’ll likely continue keeping her personal experiences private.
Physical Appearance and Personal Style
Dana Dokmanovich stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall with a slender build maintained throughout her life. She has blonde hair and brown eyes—a classic combination that served her well during her modeling days.
Photos from public events show Dana always dressed elegantly but conservatively. She favored classic styles over trendy fashion. She dressed appropriately for each occasion without trying to stand out or draw attention to herself.
Her posture and bearing reflected her modeling training. She carried herself with poise and confidence while remaining humble and approachable.
As she’s aged, Dana has maintained her dignity and grace. Recent photos from the years before Franco’s death show a woman who aged naturally without excessive cosmetic interventions.
Her Serbian heritage is visible in her features. She has the fair coloring common among people from that region of Europe.
Lesser-Known Facts About Dana Dokmanovich
She Never Wanted Dok to Play Football: Despite being married to one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, Dana prohibited their son from playing organized football, protecting him from potential injuries.
Her Mother Worked as Franco’s Secretary: Bess Dokmanovich lived with Dana and Franco in Pittsburgh and handled administrative tasks for Franco, including correspondence and scheduling.
She Modeled for Major Brands: Before focusing on family, Dana worked with Calvin Klein and Victoria’s Secret—top-tier fashion brands that demonstrated her beauty and professionalism.
She’s of Serbian Descent: Both of Dana’s parents were Serbian immigrants who maintained strong cultural and religious connections through their church community.
The Family Valued Privacy Above All: Despite Franco’s fame, the Harris family rarely shared personal details publicly, maintaining boundaries that most celebrity families don’t.
She Met Franco in College: Their relationship began at Penn State University in the early 1970s when Franco was becoming a football star and Dana was pursuing graduate studies.
Franco Never Publicly Confirmed Their Marriage Date: Some sources suggest they may have maintained a long-term partnership without formally marrying until later, though they referred to each other as husband and wife throughout.
She Supported Franco’s Business Ventures: Dana was involved behind the scenes in Super Bakery and other business ventures that extended Franco’s legacy beyond football.
Dana’s Legacy and Impact
Dana Dokmanovich’s legacy isn’t measured in touchdowns, championships, or public accolades. Her impact was quieter but no less significant.
She created a stable home that allowed Franco to become one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. She raised a son who chose education and public service over trading on his famous last name. She maintained dignity and privacy in a world that constantly demands access to celebrity families.
Her choice to remain private teaches an important lesson: you don’t have to be in the spotlight to matter. The support systems behind great achievements often involve people who deliberately stay in the background.
Dana’s Serbian immigrant parents taught her values of hard work, family loyalty, and cultural pride. She passed those values to Dok while adding her own lessons about education, service, and character.
She showed that being an NFL wife doesn’t require becoming a celebrity yourself. She attended games and supported Franco’s career without seeking her own fame or building a personal brand.
Her life demonstrates that strong marriages involve one partner supporting the other’s dreams while maintaining their own identity. Dana had her own careers, interests, and contributions but chose to prioritize family when the time came.
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Final Thoughts
Dana Dokmanovich lived most of her adult life beside one of Pittsburgh’s greatest heroes. Franco Harris was a legend in a city that worships its Steelers. Dana could have used that connection to build her own fame and influence.
She chose differently. She chose privacy, family, and quiet strength over public attention.
Now, in her early 70s and widowed, Dana carries forward the values she and Franco built their life around: kindness, humility, decency, and service. She raised a son who embodies those same values. She supported a husband who represented the best of professional sports.
Her story reminds us that behind every public success story are private sacrifices and quiet contributions. Franco’s achievements on the field were possible partly because Dana created stability and peace off the field.
Whether the public ever learns more about Dana’s personal thoughts and experiences remains uncertain. She’s protected her privacy for over 50 years and may continue doing so for the rest of her life.
But her impact is undeniable. She helped create a family legacy that extends beyond football into business, law, community service, and character. She showed that you can be connected to greatness without needing to be famous yourself.
Dana Dokmanovich may never seek the spotlight, but her life story deserves recognition. She represents thousands of spouses who support their partners’ dreams while maintaining their own dignity and identity. That’s a legacy worth celebrating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dana Dokmanovich
Who is Dana Dokmanovich?
Dana Dokmanovich is the widow of NFL Hall of Famer Franco Harris. Born around 1951 to Serbian immigrant parents, she was a former model and flight attendant who supported Franco throughout his legendary career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
How old is Dana Dokmanovich in 2025?
Dana Dokmanovich is between 71 and 74 years old as of 2025. She was born sometime between 1951 and 1954, though her exact birth date has never been publicly disclosed.
When did Franco Harris die?
Franco Harris died on December 21, 2022, at age 72. He passed away peacefully in his sleep just two days before the 50th anniversary of his famous “Immaculate Reception” play. The cause of death was not publicly disclosed.
Does Dana Dokmanovich have children?
Yes, Dana has one son, Franco “Dok” Harris Jr., born in 1979. Dok is an attorney and businessman who ran for Pittsburgh mayor in 2009. He chose not to pursue football despite his father’s legendary career, at his mother’s insistence.
What is Dana Dokmanovich’s net worth?
Dana Dokmanovich’s estimated net worth is between $200,000 and $600,000 from her own career earnings. She also inherited assets from Franco’s estate, which was valued at approximately $30 million at the time of his death in 2022.
