SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dr. James B. Dorsey, 86, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 29 with his loving family by his side.
Born on August 29, 1927 in Saratoga Springs, he is the son of the late Francis E. Dorsey, Sr. and Katherine (Baker) Dorsey. His grandfather, the late Fred H. Baker, was the founder of Baker Manufacturing Corporation, known today as Espey Manufacturing and Electronics Corps. Mr. Baker was also a former member of the Board of Directors of the Adirondack Trust Company.
Dr. Dorsey attended Saratoga Springs public schools and upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy V-5 Aviation Cadet program. Following his service duty, he completed undergraduate studies at Brown University. He received his Juris Doctor degree at Albany Law School and practiced law with his father, the late Francis E. Dorsey, Sr. His greatest desire however, was to become a doctor of medicine. He graduated from New York Medical College in New York City and completed his internship at Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich, Connecticut. He then completed a three year residency in vascular surgery at Lennox Hill Hospital in New York City.
On June 10, 1950, he married the former Patricia Ann Walsh of Saratoga Springs. At that time, he was just completing law school. After receiving his law degree and medical degree, he was recognized as one of a few to achieve that distinction. He served on the surgical staff at Saratoga Hospital for over 25 years and was Saratoga County Coroner for three years. He practiced law with his son-in-law, John J. LaBoda and his son, James B. Dorsey, Jr.
A kind and generous physician, he loved the challenge of caring for his patients. As a civic minded person, he served on the Board of Directors of the Saratoga YMCA on Broadway. He was a member and president of the Saratoga County Historical Society, opening a broad interest in Saratoga mineral water bottles, and also the annual August Antique show held at the Casino.
Dr. Dorsey had many outside interests throughout his life away from medicine. He was an enthusiastic collector of rare Saratoga memorabilia. He enjoyed golf and tennis and especially quality vacation time with his wife and children. They all have fond memories of trips to Disney World, Cape Cod, Jamaica and Bermuda, as well as many European journeys that he and his wife shared. Dr. Dorsey was a past member of the Saratoga Golf and Polo Club, Saratoga Reading Room, the Saratoga County Bar Association, the Saratoga County Medical Society and Sigma Chi Fraternity.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his loving daughter, Alison Golinski (Gary) and his only brother, Francis E. Dorsey, Jr.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Patricia Walsh Dorsey; five children, Katherine (John) LaBoda, Mary L. Lee, Pamela (Bruce) Boghosian, Suzanne Dorsey and James B. Dorsey, Jr. (companion Nancy Ravena); seven grandchildren, John (Aubrey) LaBoda, Olivia LaBoda (fiancée Ryan O’Malley), Cheston Lee, Amanda Dugan, Darian (fiancée Cynthia) Boghosian, Megan Golinski and George Carlson and one great-grandchild, Darian Boghosian, Jr.
In his later years, Dr. Dorsey was stricken with Alzheimer’s Disease. During his last few years, he has been lovingly cared for by the compassionate staff at the Saratoga Hospital Care Nursing Home. To the young and old alike, he has been affectionately known as “Doc” throughout the hospital. Thank you all for the many smiles that you brought into his life.
Relatives and friends may call from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 1 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway (584-5373).
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 2 in St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church, 231 Lake Ave., by the Rev. Timothy F. Keating, C.Ss.R. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave.
Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.
