Thomas Bradshaw Dotterer's Obituary
Lover of life. Intensely curious, a philosopher, coach, poet and writer of letters. He truly loved people, books, nature, music, food, learning and teaching, and on’usualities. He was humble. He was generous. He was funny. And he gave everything his all.
Most of all, he was grateful to God. And devoted to his wife, family and friends.
Our father, Thomas Bradshaw Dotterer, passed away on October 15, 2024, at the age of 88. Born to Catherine and Henry “Dutch” Dotterer on Syracuse’s Northside, with his sister Nan and brother Jack, he first met our mother, Joanne, in school, before reconnecting at St John the Baptist Church as young adults. They were married in 1963 and he relished life “in her orbit” for the next 61 years. He was devoted to her and to us, his six children, extended family and friends, and he was the best father, grandfather, uncle and friend any of us could ever wish for.
It was not just us that he loved. Tom took a deep interest in every person he met, and he created many opportunities for himself to connect with others.
He was head coach of the Christian Brothers Academy baseball team for 45 seasons, where his players – and he always put the emphasis on them – won many championships, including a state championship.
Tom encountered the “family” feeling of SS Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in 1972, and remained a faithful parishioner there for the next 52 years.
Tom was a lifetime member of the Pastime Athletic Club, as well as a member of the IAAC. He was a regular attendee at both the old North High get-togethers at Vito’s restaurant and breakfast gatherings as Market Diner.
He ran Salina Liquors, originally his father's store, for over 60 years, where he delighted in banter and friendships with many, and took an interest in and cared about his customers well beyond the limits of a typical store.
He was a graduate of Christian Brothers Academy, CCBI, and also attended Marion Military Institute in Alabama, where he played baseball and football. He played professional baseball for ten years, and enjoyed meeting people from the many places he played.
He was predeceased by his mother, Catherine, his father, Henry, his brother, Henry (Jack) and his sister, Nan.
He is survived by his wife, Joanne and his children, Brigid (Paul) Herrick, Henry (Rumi) Dotterer, Patrick (Claudia) Dotterer, Anthony Dotterer, Maria Dotterer and Cathleen (Scott Schuhert) Dotterer as well as 12 grandchildren, Daphne, Thomas, Audrey, Maisie, Quincy, Kodi, Joseph, Sakura, Skylar (Basil), Zachary (Abraham), Ainsley, and Toby, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Tom’s request for an obituary was to simply be the following, a gift of words for our mom – and thoughts for all of us:
Jo -
You filled my life with goodness. From no where to all where In an instant You resided Within me I orbited Always drawn – yet Spiraling Till Dew to the sky You absorbed me. Two Became One Miracles appeared Flowers blossomed A garden grew Birds and bees joined your every blessed, treasured pet Each Traversed mystically The everywhere Touching Comforting Elevating Leaving Loving Decency Kindness a Givening by that Giver God thru you Ongoing Everlasting Never Ending Lasting Loving Thoughts and Prayers For all of you I part in peace My earthly heaven was And remains in And IS Each of you.
Tom’s wish was to have all his funeral services celebrated in his church. Due to the limited space, Tom's family is asking all visitors who wish to walkthrough, sign a guestbook, take a memorial card, and visit to say a prayer with Tom anytime come between 8 am - 10 am on Monday, October 21, 2024, at SS. Peter and Paul Orthodox Catholic Church, 401 Hamilton St., Syracuse, NY 13204. A funeral service will follow in the church at 10:30 am. He will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Following the burial, there will be a buffet-style "Celebration of Life" meal from 2 to 5 at "the Venue at Lakeside" on State fair Blvd in Lakeland NY. Everyone is welcome, and guests can come and go during any part of that time frame. There will be some photos, music Tom liked, and words of remembrance shared by his friends.
Throughout Tom’s life he has been very passionate about certain organizations, his family is requesting contributions, rather than any flowers be made to the following: McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, 601 E. Genesee Street Syracuse, NY 13202 or visit https://www.mcmahonryan.org/get-involved/donate/, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or visit https://www.stjude.org/donate/, and in person donations encouraged to Priscilla's Save the Animals Thrift Shop, Geddes Plaza, 527 Charles Ave., Solvay, NY 13209.
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