"I just this week learned of Col. Dorcy's passing. Col. Dorcy was my squadron commander in Alaska with the 17th TAS Firebirds in the early to mid 80's. I flew several missions with him as his flight engineer on the C-130. We flew re-supply missions into Dew Line sites as well as flying cargo/personal air drops missions. He was a fine pilot. I am sorry for your loss. Your family are in my family's prayers. Rest in Peace Col. Dorcy. ........Reagan Moon"
In loving memory of
COL. RONALD B. DORCY USAF RET.
December 11, 1938 - February 22, 2012
Colonel Ronald B. Dorcy USAF, retired, was born on December 11. 1938, to Bernadette (Bayer) and Roger J. Dorcy in Butler, Pennsylvania and peacefully entered eternal life February 22, 2012 on the morning of Ash Wednesday with his wife, Jean, family, and Lake Superior Hospice at his side.
Ron enjoyed sharing his early memories of his Bayer grandparent's farm
where he enjoyed many meals prepared by his grandmother for numerous
uncles and cousins. His Irish Dorcy grandparents also played an
important role in forming him as a person of integrity.
After High School, Ron, worked at Armco Steel Mill in Butler as well
as the Hot Dog Shop (more happy memories) before he attended the
University of Pittsburgh.
Ron enlisted in the Air Force in February 1959 and his first
assignment after basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas and Biloxi,
Mississippi was at K.I. Sawyer AFB - arriving on December 11, 1959 -
his 21st birthday. He helped maintain radio, radar and data link
systems on the F-101B's as well as T-33's and C-47's.
He met his future wife Jean (Pohjonen) while stationed at Sawyer and
they were married in June 1961 at St. Christopher's Church in
Marquette. Ron was accepted to the last class of Officer Candidate
School (OCS) at Lackland and graduated in 1963 as a 2nd Lieutenant.
Pilot training followed with assignment to Forbes AFB, Kansas as a
C-130 pilot. Evreaux Air Base, France was a temporary assignment from
Forbes which included flights to Baghdad, Iraq; Athens, Greece;
Turkey; Libya; Spain; Italy; West Germany; Berlin and Portugal.
Ron's next assignment was a year- long tour to Mactan Island in the
southern Philippines, which included flights into Vietnam, Thailand,
Loas and Cambodia.
The family rejoined Ron for his following assignment to Langley AFB,
for their longest tour--seven years. Portions of this time saw Ron in
Japan and back to Vietnam for another 5 months. After many tdys, Ron
looked forward to being home more often as an instructor pilot and
Flight Examiner---this was not to be the case since 3 month tdys to
Europe became the norm. Support for the Gemini and Apollo space
missions included stays at Mauritius Island in the Indian Ocean.
Promotion to Major brought a move to Austin, TX (Bergstrom AFB) as a
part of aircrew standardization for 12th Air Force C-130 crews as well
Air National Guard and Reserve units west of the Mississippi.
A change from Tactical Air Command to Military Airlift Command for all
C-130s included another move - to McGuire AFB, New Jersey. Promotion
to Lieutenant Colonel brought the family to Abilene, Texas (Dyess Air
Force Base) where Ron enjoyed his duties as Chief Pilot and then as
Squadron Operations Officer for a squadron in England (another 3 month
tdy tour). Shortly after his return to Texas Ron had orders to report
to Alaska as the C-130 17 Tactical Airlift Squadron Commander in June
1981. This was another interesting tour for the entire family for a
much too short time since Ron was promoted to Colonel and given an
assignment at Travis AFB, California, home of the Military Airlift
Command's 22nd Air Force. Ron's new assignment was Director of Command
and Control - watchdog for all 22nd Air Force departing the west coast
going north, east, south or west. After a short change in jobs at
Travis as Deputy Director of Operations, Ron was told his next tour
would be at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas as the Vice Wing Commander. This
was followed by returning to Langley AFB, Virginia as liaison for
Headquarters Military Airlift Command to Tactical Air Command and the
Army's Training and Doctrine Center (TRADOC) at Fort Monroe near
Langley. Senior officers and their wives from all over the world were
a part of this group which was a rewarding experience.
Ron's final assignment was back in the Midwest at Scott AFB, Illinois
in 1988 as the Deputy Inspector General for MAC (Military Airlift
Command) - a tour he enjoyed since he was able to fly the C-130 once
again as well as perform his assigned duties.
Retirement came in 1991, the same year Nadeen finished high school in
Illinois. Returning to Marquette with parish involvement beginning at
St Peter Cathedral followed by a move to St Louis the King Parish
brought years of forming fond memories. Ron and Jean were involved in
various activities at St Louis and their shared love of the rosary led
to them making rosaries together which have been enjoyed by many. Ron
was especially adept in creating beautiful Ladder Rosaries. A move to
the cottage Jean's father had built at Engman Lake which Ron added to,
made living at the lake more comfortable although challenging during
the winter months. He especially loved summers living on the shore of
Engman Lake and spending time on his pontoon boat with the radio
playing music and watching for the eagles and loons nearby. He enjoyed
the song birds which would sometimes follow him, perch on his shoulder
and eat their seeds from his hand.
Ron enjoyed all sports, but especially the Pittsburgh Steelers,
Pirates and the University of Pittsburgh sports programs. He loved
people and enjoyed seeing visitors as he became more ill and certainly
loved his family who miss him beyond words. His is a marvelous example
of what a husband, father and grandfather should be.
Ron was a member of the Order of Daedalians, the Air Force
Association, the Airlift Association, and the Knights of Columbus St
Louis the King Council 6447 as well as the 4th Degree Bishop Fredric
Baraga, the Snowshoe Priest ASM 469.
He is survived by his wife, Jean (Pohjonen) Dorcy and 6 children:
Shawn (Cynthia) Dorcy, Brian (Molly) Dorcy, Garth (Beth) Dorcy, Davina
(Michael) Self, Neal (Jen) Dorcy, and Nadeen (David) Laurich. He was
the proud Grandfather to Griffin, Zachary, Logan, and Kylie Dorcy,
Kelly and Bryan Gutierrez; Erin Dorcy and Mariah Whitaker-Allen ;
Christian and Ian Dorcy; Aaron, Hunter, and Joshua Self; Brendan and
Delaney Rohlfs; Matthew and Dawson Laurich. Also surviving is his
sister-in-law, Margaret Dorcy as well as many nieces and nephews. He
was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Bernadette Dorcy, his
step-father Saady Hamder, his father-in-law Eugene Pohjonen, his
mother-in-law Lillian Pohjonen, an infant son Patrick Dorcy and his
brother, Roger Joseph Dorcy.
Words can never express the gratitude the family has for the care
provided by Doctors Doughty and Curran, and Mick Kreis PC once the
diagnosis of colon cancer was made in November. They and Lake Superior
Hospice as well as the many friends praying for the entire family made
this part of Ron's journey a bit easier to bear with the presence of
God's grace.
Visitation will be Tuesday February 28th from 11 am until 1 pm which
will include praying the rosary at St Louis the King Parish. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Benedetto J. Paris on Tuesday at 1pm in the church with Deacons Warren Vonck, Gregg St. John and David Adler assisting. Lunch will follow in the Gauthier Hall at St Louis the King Parish.
Members of Bishop Frederic Baraga the Snowshoe Priest Assembly Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will serve as honor guard and pallbearers.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider St. Louis the King Catholic Church Building Fund, 264 Silver Creek Road, Marquette, MI 49855 in Col. Dorcy's memory.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at www.canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"I learned of Rons passing through a friend.I used to work at Bernadette and Joe's restaurant and knew the family well. I kept in touch with Bernadette for many years after moving away.I am sorry for your loss, and will keep your family in my prayers. . sincerely, Mary Tebben Rich"
"Dear Jean, Maureen e-mailed about Ron's death and this website. I have so many memories of you both at St. Luke,s, including the long goodbyes in the entry so you wouldn't get grounded a day for each minute. When we lived in Racine,Wis. I followed the Apollo mission knowing that Ron was involved. What a beautiful and handsome couple you made. May your good memories comfort you."
"Dear Jean & the entire Dorcy family, we are very sorry for your loss. we will keep your family in our prayers."
"Col. Dorcy Family, On behalf of Charles "Corky" Schneider, a fellow Butler PA friend from many years ago, my Dad and Mom Jane send their sympathies to the the whole Dorcy Family."
"Jean, So sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Ron. Have memories of you both from St. Luke's. I will put Ron on our parish's Divine Mercy Prayer line. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Neal and Family From your friends/co-workers, we extend our deepsest sympathy in the loss of your Father."
"Jean and family, our sincerest condolences go out to you. We will all miss Ron greatly and pray that you find comfort during this difficult time. Fondly, Dave and Carol Mills"
"Mr. "DAD" Dorcy will continue to be a very strong mentor in so many lives. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with your family during this most difficult heartache. May you all feel Gods grace, and comfort knowing that Dad, is healed, and at home. Much Love......Jennifer, Doug, Krista and Kayla"
"Mrs. Dorcy and family - I'm so sorry to hear the passing of Ron! I worked with Ron for many years at H & R Block. Ron was a great guy with lots of knowledge. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time..."
"Dear Jean & family, We are truly sorry for your loss. Our heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to you and your entire family. Ron was, in his own quiet way, a remarkable role model for me and many others. Sincerely Chris and Jill MacMaster"
"Dear Jean and family, We would like to offer our condolences on the passing of your dear husband/father."
"I am so sad at Uncle Ron's passing, for you, Aunt Jean, and all of my cousins and their families. I am sad for us too. That word "Integrity" really fit. What an example of everything good, that's Uncle Ron. I can't overlook the significance of Ash Wednesday for both Uncle Ron and Dad, either. We Love you all and continue prayers, Ginny and Marg Dorcy"
"Dear Jean and Family, We extend our very sincere condolences on your loss of Ron. His struggle is over, may he rest in peace!"
"Jeanette and I and Christine were sorry to hear about your loss tobi"
"You will always be missed !!! Love you !!"
"Dear Jean and Family: We were so saddened to learn of Ron's passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and we extend our deepest sympathies and love to all."