JOHN WILLIAM DORSEY III
John William Dorsey III, better known by friends and family as Jack, Johnny, or Da, died peacefully at his winter home in Arizona on May 4, 2015.
Johnny was born on January 18, 1941 to the late Jack and Grace Dorsey. The eldest of five, he was raised in Syracuse’s Tipp Hill neighborhood where he attended St. Patrick’s School, graduating with the class of 1959; he went on to graduate from LeMoyne College in 1963. Upon his graduation from LeMoyne, he accepted a position with the Social Security Administration.
In early 1970, Jack met Mary Emerson, and by fall they were wed. Their life together was characterized by laughter, love, and generosity. They raised two daughters, Maggie and Mali, in Oswego, NY. Anyone who entered their home was welcomed with a hot meal, a cold drink, and a standing invitation to return.
In the first few weeks of 1995, Jack’s life took a momentous turn when he retired from Social Security and became a grandfather. He enjoyed every minute of his retirement; in particular he loved being free to nap at will and spend time with his family, especially his granddaughter Hannah, who he adored beyond words.
In recent years, Jack and Mary have escaped Oswego’s lake effect snow by spending winters in Green Valley, Arizona.
The mischievous twinkle in Jack’s eyes was eclipsed only by the enormity of his heart. He was a steadfast supporter of everyone he loved—and the list of those he loved was long, long, long. In addition to his wife, Mary, daughters Maggie and Mali, and granddaughter Hannah, he is survived by his siblings, Betsy and Joe Foster, Patty and Pete Poppe, Barrett Dorsey and Rich Giaccio, and Maggie and Lou Nocilly; his in-laws, David and Mary El Emerson and Tom and Bonnie Emerson; many beloved nieces and nephews; and a multitude of dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, please celebrate Jack’s life by following his example: be kind. Help someone in need. Take a friend out to dinner. Sponsor a child near you who can’t afford to go on his or her class trip. Donate to a favorite scholarship. If you have the means, pay a child’s tuition at your local Catholic school. Buy Girl Scout cookies. Send pizza to a college kid getting ready for finals. Stop the car and buy a glass of lemonade. Tip well. Contact a local nursing home to see who needs a visitor—then visit. And always, no matter what life throws your way—don’t forget to laugh.
A Catholic mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, at the Hall Newman Center, 36 New St, Oswego. A celebration of life is being planned for family and friends in Oxford later this month.