Erie Street resident Leonard A. “Swamp” Dorsey died suddenly at the East Liverpool City Hospital at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 18, 2016, at the age of 73.

Born in East Liverpool on May 7, 1943, he was a son of the late Herbert T. and Ella Mae Jarrett Dorsey. He was raised in this area, attending East Liverpool schools. As a young man, he and his brother, Bert, were recruited by the former Wheeling Ironmen to play semi-professional football. After several years, he began work as a furnace operator at McIntosh-Hemphill in Midland, retiring in 1980.

Those who knew him best would remember him as a sports enthusiast and a devoted coach of the East End Red Devils for over 21 years. He had served as Commissioner of the Bill Booth football league at one time, had been an umpire, and was also heavily involved in both men’s and women’s softball leagues in the area. He was dedicated to young people, always pushing them to do their best, and left an indelible mark which will not be forgotten.

Len was a faithful member of Sheridan A.M.E. Church, and was a loyal Cleveland Browns fan.

Surviving him at home is his wife, Linda R. Dorsey, whom he married on April 24, 1970.

He also leaves behind his sons: Charles “Chad” Dorsey of Salem; and Chris Dorsey of East Liverpool, as well as his daughters: Kimberly Martin of Wellsville; Robyn Dorsey Perry of Dayton; Traci Dorsey of East Liverpool; Dana Dorsey Kirkland, also of Dayton, along with their brother, Richard Allan Blythe of Martinsburg, WV. There are 17 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, whom he adored, and two God-daughters, Julie Morris and Mindy Springer.

Len is also survived by his sisters Georgianna Smallwood, Mary Jo Dorsey, and Pamela Forrester, along with his brother Robert “Tag” Dorsey. He was preceded in death by sisters Debby Dorsey and Donna Howard, and brothers Charles Dorsey, William Jarrett, Harry Dorsey, and Bert Dorsey.

Len was also preceded by a grandson, James Perry, Jr., two granddaughters, Victora Humphrey and Luci Ella Kay Martin, and a great-granddaughter, Mi’Robyn O’Dell.

Rev. Patricia L. Williams, Associate Pastor of Sheridan A.M.E. Church, will officiate at services to be held at 6:00 p.m. Saturday at the Dawson Funeral Home. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home from 4:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

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