Jeff Dorsey

HOLDEN - Jeff Dorsey was born on December 23, 1934 in Deering, Missouri. He was the 7th child of 11 siblings born to George Edward Dorsey, Sr. and Hattie Lee Robinson-Dorsey.

Jeff was educated in Missouri and Michigan before moving to Pittsburgh with his family where he attended the Pittsburgh Public School system. Jeff went on to further his education at the University of the Americas in Mexico City, Mexico, earning his Bachelor’s degree in 1971 before earning a Master’s in Teaching from The University of Pittsburgh in 1973.

He met the love his life Margaret “Peggy” Westerling in Mexico City while both were attending the University of the Americas and were married in 1974. The couple relocated to Massachusetts in 1977 where later their son Jeffrey Charles Dorsey was born and where they remained at their home in Holden.

Jeff began his career as an educator in the Pittsburgh Public School System in 1971 as a Middle School teacher and Team leader with an emphasis on contemporary affairs, civil rights, and social justice issues which would serve as the cornerstone and guiding light of his life’s work in education.

In 1977 he began his work in the Fitchburg Public School System as a teacher at Memorial Junior High and would go on to serve in a number of positions including Class Administrator at Fitchburg High School, teacher and Assistant Principal at Memorial Middle School, Principal of B.F. Brown Middle School, and as Director of State and Federal Funds until his retirement in 2001.

In addition to his work in Fitchburg and serving as a mentor to various professional colleagues, friends, and family members, Jeff was a long-time consultant for the Anti-Defamation League giving workshops and presentations on racism, gender, and homophobic issues. He was also the cofounder of Multicultural Associates, an organization that worked with educators in helping them understand and welcome the cultural changes that occur in education. He was also twice selected to Who’s Who in American Teachers, having been selected by former students.

After his retirement Jeff became active in local politics through his work with Holden Democrats and various state and local campaigns.

Jeff enjoyed reading, gardening, traveling, spending time with his family, mentoring, discussing current affairs and social issues. Most of all he enjoyed hosting family and friends with his wife and son at their beloved second home in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, where he would sit for hours in his favorite chair overlooking the ocean.

Jeff departed this life on Monday, July 17, 2023 surrounded by his family. He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted and loving wife Peggy, his son Jeffrey (Kiki), his brothers and sisters in law; Earl Westerling (Mary), Dr. Bernard Westerling (Elaine) and John Westerling (Luanne), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Hattie Lee Dorsey; his brothers, George Edward Dorsey, Jr., John T. (Jake) Dorsey, Sr., LeRoy Dorsey, Waymon Dorsey, Harrison Dorsey, Robert Dorsey, and Learthan Dorsey; three sisters, Ethel Williams, Louella Roberts, and Betty Ann Dorsey.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Jeff’s family from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday, July 28, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Grove Cemetery in Holden.

To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit his tribute wall.