John Samson Dorsey, Jr., 95, of Punta Gorda, Florida died Sunday, April 19, 2026.

John was born, on October 16, 1930, in McKeesport, PA. to Mary Mae Willie and John Samson Dorsey Sr. He was the eldest of 7 children, during a time before cell phones, Instagram, Facebook, text messages, and clearly electric cars. A time known as the Silent Generation or the “Builders” – Characterized by caution, resilience, and a strong sense of duty. It was also known as the Greatest Generation. High values were placed on tradition, strong work ethics, dedication and loyalty. One of his favorite sayings were, “if you’re on time then you’re late.”  He certainly exemplified those characteristics in everything he did. A stout provider for his family, and a lover of electronic things that garnered him the fond nickname of “Inspector Gadget”.

His attention to detail was one of the key reasons he excelled as an Aerospace Astronautical Engineer at Republic Aviation Corporation, which later became, Fairchild Hiller Republic, back in the late 50’s and early 60’s. There he was responsible for the weaponry circuits that infused the F-105, and A-10 Warthog. His Civilian clearance enabled him to travel extensively overseas, spending many years in Okinawa, Japan, and London, England.

On May 8^th, 1950, he married Constance Mae Smith, who went to sleep before him on June 7, 2011. They lived in East Elmhurst, Queens, before moving to 148^th Street, in South Ozone Park. Right under the drones of JFK International Airport, before the name was changed from Idlewild Airport, before the Concord dipped its nose twice a day, and before 148^th Street became a one-way street.  The neighborhood where his yard bloomed the first cherry blossom tree of the spring, the grass was green on both sides of the fence, and you did not walk across it to get to the other side. Together they created a home where family was always welcomed, barbecues were legendary, holiday colors were always selected, and the Jackson Five didn’t have anything on the dancing prowess of the Dorsey clan. He also opened his family’s horizons to cultures other than their own and established within them a love of diversity & music which stretched from Classical to Pop, Jazz to Rhythm & Blues, and movie scores too numerous to mention.

He returned to Punta Gorda in 1987, the year after his father went to sleep in August 1986. He lived an amazing life, 95 years, just think of all the “firsts” he’s seen, lived

through and in some cases, experienced. Television evolving, from 3 network channels to on-demand streaming; technology exploding; disasters that changed lives, political forces that changed history forever, and all the while he stayed alert and abreast. Abreast of the latest gadgets that made his life easier, and technology that made his life fun and practical, even if he needed a little guidance in the iPhone world he’d adapted.  He kept up with his favorite sports, as a devout Yankees fan and a diehard New York Giant’s fan. He loved to “movie watch” with you by phone, and talk about all the latest movies, giving you his opinion of course; even though he enjoyed the classic oldies. He watched all the news that’s fit to print; and you were always guaranteed a great conversation. He loved his family.

John S. Dorsey, Jr. was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings; Dolores, Karl, Alfred and Sheila; he is survived by his 2 Sisters; Renee Tringali (Robert), of Harrington Park, New Jersey, and Lennora Spicer, of Port Ritchie, Florida. His 5 children:

Lawrence Steven Dorsey, Sr.; LaMont Cedric Dorsey, (Mary); Denise Estelle Isaac, (Dennis); Michelle Suzette Speight, (Arthur); and Brandt Wayne Dorsey. His 10 Grandchildren: Lawrence Dorsey, II (Nicole); Alison Dorsey; Crystal Collins (Matthew); Stephanie Solar (Gerald); Dexter Isaac; Dellonese Leech (Adam); Ashley Moss (Trevis, Jr.); Dominique Dorsey; Denique Isaac; and Brandy-Leigh Martinez (Miguel). His 16 Great Grand-children: Steven Christopher Dorsey (Kristain), Salena Dorsey, Lawrence Dorsey, III (Morgan), Alessia Wilmore, Nicholas Dorsey, Annalise Collins, Matthew Collins, Levi Solar, Trevis Moss III, Adelaide Leech, Amariyah-Jade Moss, Madeline Leech, Leo Solar, Nadia Martinez, Isabelle Leech; Leah Dorsey; and, he was eagerly and happily  awaiting the birth of his first Great-Great-Grandson. He is also survived by a host of amazing nieces, nephews, other family members and loved ones. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM followed by Funeral services at 2:00 PM at Roberson Funeral Home. 215 Mary St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950.

Friends may visit online to extend condolences to the family.  Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home Punta Gorda Chapel.