Robert L. Dorsey

                    “My presence shall go with you, and I shall give you rest.”      Exodus 33:14                                                 

We are never alone… because God’s spirit dwells within. It is with this thought, that our dearly beloved Robert Leroy Dorsey took his last remaining breath… On Friday, January 28, 2022.

One cannot mourn a soul which lives – yet we can truly acknowledge the homegoing of one of God’s children. Born on March 23, 1942, to the late Walter Duval and the late Madeline Dorsey Houston, Robert was the blessing of young love.  He was raised in South Philadelphia where he grew in a home which he shared with his mother, his brothers Ronald Dorsey and Roland Houston, his sister Rochetta Houston and later his stepfather Abram Houston aka “Slim.”

Robert attended Bok High School where he participated in the vocational program and later received his diploma and mechanic certification in 1961. Upon his graduation, Robert used his skills fittingly as a metal finisher and joined the Philadelphia industrial giant, the Budd Company, where he served for 30 years. He was tenacious and always completed every task and the “Big D,” as he was affectionately known to his co-workers and friends, became a role model and leader amongst his peers.

During his early 20s Robert welcomed, with joy, daughters, Yvonne McDonald and Cherae Barrett.  This new responsibility of parenthood positioned Robert to experience and commit to true fatherhood.  He eventually married Marlene Solomon in 1972, and to this union, their “pride & joy”, Robynn Kendra Dorsey was born.

In 1986, Bob met, and in 1995 wed the beautiful and nurturing Martha Cooke.  They purchased their dream home, settling in Bear, Delaware and attended Bethel AME Church in Wilmington, Delaware. He was blessed to have a personal relationship with his Lord and Savior, and he enjoyed praying and reading the Daily Bread.  Robert and Martha were fortunate to share 26 years of marriage, during which they enjoyed the absolute spoiling of their grandson (Hunter Collier), who was the boy he always longed for, and gave him the inspiration to keep living.  Martha and Robert also enjoyed traveling internationally, dining at exclusive restaurants and attending stage plays as well as live concerts.

Uniquely positioned for destiny, Robert was a man of many dreams and laid the foundation for his offspring and legacy. “Bobby” as his brothers would attest - “took no tea for the fever” nor “wooden nickels from the bank!”  He invested his earnings wisely and manifested all of his dreams.

We shall remember Robert L. Dorsey as an extremely gregarious and spirited man, a mentor, a jazz enthusiast, a competitive pool player, an entrepreneur, a property manager and a generous father, loyal friend and family man. 

Robert shall be sorely missed by all, including dear friends, colleagues, neighbors and, of course, his family… but he will never be forgotten because his persona and mantra of excellence lives on in every Dorsey memory.

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Robert leaves to mourn: his devoted wife Martha C. Dorsey, his loving daughters Robynn Collier (Patrick Collier, son-in-law), Cherae Barrett (Philip Barrett, son-in-law) and Yvonne McDonald (Rodney McDonald, son-in-law), his sister Rochetta Copes, brothers Ronald Dorsey and Roland Houston (Lisa Houston, sister-in-law), grandchildren Hunter Collier and Chanell Chambers, three great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, neighbors, extended relatives and friends.

Lovingly submitted,

The Family

A viewing will be held at the Beeson Funeral Home, 2053 Pulaski Highway, Newark, DE 19702 on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am where a funeral service will begin at 11:00 am.  Burial will be private.

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