Dorsch

Anthony “Tony” G. Dorsch, 91, of Cranberry Township, passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, while under the care of Sherwood Oaks.

Born May 11, 1931, in Pittsburgh, to Anthony J. Dorsch and Martha Weidner Dorsch, Tony passed from this world surrounded by family. He was the father of Tony (Dana) Dorsch, Marty (Mary Linn) Dorsch, Maureen Fullerton, Larry (Karen) Dorsch, Tim (Sheree) Dorsch, Mike (Monica) Dorsch, Paul (Julie) Dorsch, Julie (Jim) Odenwaldt, Clara (Sean) Callahan and Joan (Pat) Vogelsang; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Anthony was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years and love of his life, Mary Ellen (Linehan) Dorsch; his parents, Martha and Anthony Dorsch; his brother, Robert Dorsch; his daughter, Angela Dorsch; his grandson, John Michael Vogelsang; and his great- granddaughter, Isabella Marie Strazza.

Tony was always ready to help others. Through his countless acts of charity — often the anonymous donor — Tony enthusiastically embraced his responsibility to “welcome the stranger,” “feed the hungry,” “clothe the poor” and, most importantly, to “love one another.”

He mentored many. He and Marie joyfully served as “American parents” to three Nicaraguan siblings, Filepe, Sarah and Irene Caudra. This brought even more joy to the already overflowing home.

As a 1954 graduate of Carnegie Tech, Tony was an architect by trade. He was a founding member of Foreman, Dorsch, Bashford & Wallace, Architect AIA, before opening his own practice in Cranberry Township in 1981. While his work designing commercial and retail buildings is still present on many street corners and in many communities, his true love was designing and creating places of education and worship. Serving God in his own special way, Tony designed and built more than 25 places of worship within the tri-state area.

A parishioner of St. Ferdinand Catholic Church since its inception in 1961, Tony served the church for many, many years by acting as lector, usher, commentator, parish council member, and was appointed by Cardinal John J. Wright to Diocesan Synod.

A 65-year resident of Cranberry Township, Tony served this community for many, many years. His volunteerism and love of the community was recognized as he was named Cranberry Jaycees Man of the Year in 1979. Tony was instrumental in establishing Cranberry Township’s first U.S. Post Office and almost single-handedly, he bridged the transportation gap between Cranberry Township and the City of Pittsburgh by instituting commuter bus service in 1979. Tony served Cranberry Township as planning commissioner for six years, including his term as chairman. He was elected to the board of supervisors in 1978, and served as chairman in 1981. He was co-chairman of the 1979 Fourth of July/Community Day.

Throughout his life, Tony held many leadership roles, sitting on the board of directors for West View Savings Bank, Sherwood Oaks, Quigley Catholic High School and numerous other organizations. He was a charter member of the Rotary Club and served terms as secretary and as president.

Tony’s interests included travel, fast cars and flying machines. A private pilot since 1968, he had an undying love for flying, sharing his passion with many. Several of his children and grandchildren are licensed pilots and a few pursued professional, military and FAA careers.

Tony touched the lives of so many in ways he will never know. He touched those close to him, those who loved him, those who barely knew him and those who never had the privilege of knowing him. No matter which applies to you, Tony would wish you all the best, offer you sage advice, add a healthy dose of sarcasm and send you on your way. Now its our turn: Godspeed Tony. WHEELS UP!

DORSCH — Friends of Anthony “Tony” G. Dorsch, who died Tuesday, May 17, 2022, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at BOYLAN-GLENN-KILDOO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 130 Wisconsin Ave., Cranberry Township.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday with the time to be announced, at St. Ferdinand Catholic Church, 2535 Rochester Road Cranberry Township.

Tony will be laid to rest at Holy Savior Cemetery in Gibsonia.

Charitable donations may be made in his honor to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 1028 Benton Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212, or donate online at www.littlesistersofthepoorpittsburgh.org/donate/; or to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, 5989 Centre Ave #1, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, or donate online at www.bbbspgh.org/donate/.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.