Obituary for Donald E. Dozier
As this is a Memorial Service, the family appreciates if you please not send any flowers. If you'd like to do/offer something, you may do so to his wife/family instead. If flowers are sent in spite of this, sending plants or vases is preferable & may be delivered on Thursday March 7th, 2019 by/before 4:00pm to Lee's Funeral Home. The Family thanks you!
OBITUARY
Donald Elliott Dozier was born to Earl and Mildred Dozier on September 17, 1933. He departed this life on February 27, 2019 in his home in White Plains, NY, leaving behind a loving family and friends forever blessed by his kindness, his strength, his loyalty and his example.
Donald’s career and passions took him all over the world but he was a New Yorker through and through.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Donald attended public schools in the borough in his youth; graduated from Brooklyn College with a BS in Economics; and did graduate studies in Labor and Industrial Relations at the New York Institute of Technology.
Immediately after High School, Donald enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served with distinction as a Control Tower Specialist before his honorable discharge in 1956.
Donald then set out on a forty-year career distinguished by his compassion, his bravery and his commitment to serving others.
By 1960, Donald had found his calling as a member of the New York City Fire Department, where he created The Fire Salvage Corps, the first citywide unit in the history of the NYFD. After saving countless lives, mentoring hundreds of firefighters and breaking down numerous barriers, Donald retired from the NYFD in 1984 having earned the rank of Battalion Chief.
Donald continued his career as the Director of Safety at Harlem Hospital and then as the Director of Public Safety and the Deputy Executive Director of Operations for the newly opened Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan. In 1992, Donald was appointed Director of Safety for Bronx Lebanon Hospital before concluding his career in 2000 as the Director of Operations for the Dance Theater of Harlem.
Despite his numerous professional accomplishments, Donald’s biggest achievement was the life, love and light he gave to his family.
In 1957, Donald married Catherine Conwell. Together, they raised two beautiful children, Donna and Duane, in Queens, NY. Donna blessed Donald with his first grandchild, Nia, in 1993.
It was in 1990 that Donald found love with Pattie. They married in 1992 at West Point Military Academy and he became a father once more to her daughters, Kimberly and Tamara. Upon Kimberly’s passing in 1996, Donald assumed the role of (grand)father and guardian to Kimberly’s young children, Brandon and Bryana.
In fact, one of Donald’s greatest joys was taking part in his grandchildren’s life ‘on the ice,’ watching Bryana compete as an ice skater; traveling with Brandon for sixteen years all over Canada and the U.S. for ice hockey games and tournaments; and working at the pro shop at the local hockey rink.
Completing his family, Donald became ‘Pop Pop’ to his adoring great grandson Kaiden, born to Brandon and Emely in 2013.
In addition to his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchild, Donald is survived by his brother Earl Jr. and wife Geralyn; their three sons; and his sister- and brother-in-law Sharon and Arnold.
Affectionately known as “The Don” to some and as “Grandpa” to all of his grandchildren’s friends, teammates and classmates, Donald Elliot Dozier was a gentleman and a gentle man. His compassion, wisdom and quiet strength will be greatly missed but lives on in all those who knew and loved him.
The Entire Staff of Lee's Funeral Home, LLC respects that the family of Donald Dozier entrusted the care of their loved one to us, and that they value the level of service & attention our funeral home provides. We are honored, in turn, to provide comfort, assistance and service to the family of Donald Dozier during their time of bereavement.
OBITUARY
Donald Elliott Dozier was born to Earl and Mildred Dozier on September 17, 1933. He departed this life on February 27, 2019 in his home in White Plains, NY, leaving behind a loving family and friends forever blessed by his kindness, his strength, his loyalty and his example.
Donald’s career and passions took him all over the world but he was a New Yorker through and through.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Donald attended public schools in the borough in his youth; graduated from Brooklyn College with a BS in Economics; and did graduate studies in Labor and Industrial Relations at the New York Institute of Technology.
Immediately after High School, Donald enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served with distinction as a Control Tower Specialist before his honorable discharge in 1956.
Donald then set out on a forty-year career distinguished by his compassion, his bravery and his commitment to serving others.
By 1960, Donald had found his calling as a member of the New York City Fire Department, where he created The Fire Salvage Corps, the first citywide unit in the history of the NYFD. After saving countless lives, mentoring hundreds of firefighters and breaking down numerous barriers, Donald retired from the NYFD in 1984 having earned the rank of Battalion Chief.
Donald continued his career as the Director of Safety at Harlem Hospital and then as the Director of Public Safety and the Deputy Executive Director of Operations for the newly opened Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan. In 1992, Donald was appointed Director of Safety for Bronx Lebanon Hospital before concluding his career in 2000 as the Director of Operations for the Dance Theater of Harlem.
Despite his numerous professional accomplishments, Donald’s biggest achievement was the life, love and light he gave to his family.
In 1957, Donald married Catherine Conwell. Together, they raised two beautiful children, Donna and Duane, in Queens, NY. Donna blessed Donald with his first grandchild, Nia, in 1993.
It was in 1990 that Donald found love with Pattie. They married in 1992 at West Point Military Academy and he became a father once more to her daughters, Kimberly and Tamara. Upon Kimberly’s passing in 1996, Donald assumed the role of (grand)father and guardian to Kimberly’s young children, Brandon and Bryana.
In fact, one of Donald’s greatest joys was taking part in his grandchildren’s life ‘on the ice,’ watching Bryana compete as an ice skater; traveling with Brandon for sixteen years all over Canada and the U.S. for ice hockey games and tournaments; and working at the pro shop at the local hockey rink.
Completing his family, Donald became ‘Pop Pop’ to his adoring great grandson Kaiden, born to Brandon and Emely in 2013.
In addition to his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchild, Donald is survived by his brother Earl Jr. and wife Geralyn; their three sons; and his sister- and brother-in-law Sharon and Arnold.
Affectionately known as “The Don” to some and as “Grandpa” to all of his grandchildren’s friends, teammates and classmates, Donald Elliot Dozier was a gentleman and a gentle man. His compassion, wisdom and quiet strength will be greatly missed but lives on in all those who knew and loved him.
The Entire Staff of Lee's Funeral Home, LLC respects that the family of Donald Dozier entrusted the care of their loved one to us, and that they value the level of service & attention our funeral home provides. We are honored, in turn, to provide comfort, assistance and service to the family of Donald Dozier during their time of bereavement.