Richard M. Dorrer

Richard M. Dorrer, a lifelong resident of Dutchess County, passed away peacefully at home in Pine Plains, NY on July 6, 2010 at the age of 67.

He was born on March 5, 1943 in Rhinebeck, NY, the youngest of six children of John and Estella (Kilmer) Dorrer.

He attended Rhinebeck Schools and worked on local farms in his youth.

Rich was employed as an electrician at Western Publishing Co. for over twenty years until that facility closed. He then worked as an electrician at the Dutchess County Department of Public Works for twenty five years. Known to his younger coworkers as "Papa," he retired in April 2009.

He and the former Linda Dalzell were married on March 22, 1985 in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. at the Dutchess County Court House by the Hon. Albert M. Rosenblatt. Linda survives at home.

Rich was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on March 21, 1992 and was a member of the Millerton, N.Y. (English) congregation. Known to his closest family and friends as "Big Rich" he was a humble and honest-hearted man who could talk to anyone and make friends wherever he went. Throughout his illness he placed his full confidence in the Bible's promise of a resurrection.

Survivors include the three children of his blended family and their spouses, all of whom he loved dearly: Scott Dorrer and his wife Sheila of Grafton, New York; and two step-daughters, Cathy Robinson and her husband Micah of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas and Cara Romanowskyj and her husband Richard of Poughkeepsie, New York. He is also survived by his brother Fred Dorrer of Cobleskill, New York and two sisters, Helen Dugan and her husband Daniel of Poughkeepsie, New York and Gladys Ogden of Fishkill, New York.

Additional survivors include parents-in-law Chet and Connie Dalzell of Pawling, New York, and brothers-in-law Clark (Sandy) Dalzell and Craig Dalzell, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins, and his faithful canine companion Rosie.

He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Walter Dorrer and a sister, Marlene Contreras.

Calling hours are from 4 to 8 pm on Friday, July 9, 2010 at the Peck & Peck Funeral Home South Main St. Pine Plains, NY.

A Memorial Service will be held at 4 pm on Saturday July 10, 2010 at the Millerton Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 5603 Route 22, Millerton, New York.

Arrangements by the Peck & Peck Funeral Home South Main St. Pine Plains, NY 12567.

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