Obituary of John Dorr

John Jeremy Dorr, 80, passed away at home on Thursday, September 17, 2015 after an extended illness. Known as "Jerry" he was born in Kingston, Jamaica. After graduating from Wolmers Boys School in Jamaica he entered McGill University, receiving a degree in economics followed by an MBA at Columbia University Business School . After graduate school Jerry joined the Chairman's Staff of General Motors Corporation, New York. Following GM, he accepted a position at Xerox Corporation in new technology development and later was appointed Marketing Director, Xerox of Canada, Ltd. Jerry then moved into a role of Vice President of Marketing at Automatic Data Processing. Rounding out his career, Jerry was appointed by the Ontario and Quebec governments to lead market development programs in the business software, space delivery systems and telecommunication sectors. Jerry has always given back to the community. While living in New Canaan, Connecticut, he managed a successful community wide effort to reorganize and refinance the New Canaan YMCA. He was also active in the New Canaan Congregational Church and served as a deacon for several years. During the 30 years he resided in Bernardsville, Jerry continued his interest in the Somerset Hills YMCA. He was involved in the senior citizen programs and fundraisers as well as serving on the Board of Directors. After retirement, Jerry contributed considerable effort to the Somerset Hills School District. He worked extensively on the successful outcome of the $51 million Referendum in 2003 and later was elected to the Board of Education of the Somerset Hill School District. During the nine years on the board, his strong support for the District was displayed numerous times. For example, serving as Finance chair, he steered the district through the severe financial recession of 2008-2009. He served as president in 2009, retiring from the board in 2013. An accomplished athlete during his school years, Jerry continued his love of sports through running, golf and tennis. He was a member of the Nassau Club in Princeton and attended the Princeton University Audit Program. Jerry and Jean enjoyed traveling and visited many places in the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska and Canada, as well as the US. Friends and family will remember the many years Jean and Jerry devoted to grandsons, Jack and Toby, and the joy they brought into their lives. Jerry is survived by his devoted wife Jean of 56 years, his son Jeff and wife Tuyet, grandsons, Jack and Toby, and his brother, Dr. Patrick Dorr and his wife Gelene of Syracuse, New York. Also a niece, Alison Dorr and nephews, James and David Dorr. A celebration of Jerry's life will be held at the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 10 a.m., followed by a reception in Westminster Hall. For further information please contact Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home at 908-766-0250, or to light an online condolence candle for the family please visit our website at www.gcfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jerry's name can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org) or the Pulmonary Hypertension Foundation (www.phassociation.org).