Sarah Blaisdell Dorn

Sarah Blaisdell Dorn, 88, of 138 Kennedy St. Bradford, passed away Sunday, January 10, 2016, at the Bradford Regional Medical Center.

Born November 22, 1927, in Buffalo, she was a daughter of the late George G. and Miriam (Barcroft) Blaisdell.

On April 23, 1981, in the Episcopal Church of The Ascension in Bradford, she married Richard B. Dorn who survives.

She was a 1945 graduate of Bradford High School. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Connecticut College, and later graduated from Katherine Gibbs Business Academy in New York City.

Sarah was actively involved with Zippo operations beginning in the early 1950's. Sarah and her sister Harriett B. Wick assumed ownership after the death of their father in 1978. Sarah served as Vice President and Treasurer on the Board of Directors of Zippo Manufacturing Company until her retirement. She maintained a seat on the Board of Directors at the time of her death.

Sarah was a member of the Board of Directors for many charitable organizations, which supported many health, welfare, social and leisure programs in and around Bradford. Sarah was especially proud to serve on the Board of Directors of the Philo and Sarah Blaisdell Foundation, which her father established in December of 1950.

In 1980 through the Blaisdell Foundation, Sarah and Harriett established the Miriam Barcroft Blaisdell Scholarship which supports scholarships for 65 students annually.

In 1993, Sarah received the Presidential Medal of Distinction from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford for her longtime support of the University. Her memberships included the Pennhills Club the Bradford Club.

Surviving in addition to her husband Richard, is one son, George B. (Rita Walters) Duke Sr., one sister, Harriett Blaisdell (the late Robert H.) Wick, all of Bradford, two grandchildren, Grant B. (Shane Baker) Duke, Sarah Duke, two step grandchildren, Kara Close, Beau Close, one nephew D. Blaise (Ann Anderson) Wick, and Barbara Wick (Richard) Kearney. four step children, Missy (John) Warner, Terry Dorn, Mac (Lauri) Dorn, and Bruce (Carol) Dorn, six step grandchildren and three step great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Paul C. Duke Jr., her second husband Thomas Blauser, one son, Paul C. Duke III who died September 28, 2005, one grandson George B. Duke Jr., who died November 13, 2015, and one nephew, Michael Quinn Wick who died October 16, 2005.

Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 16, 2016, at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, with the Rev. Stacey Fussell, Rector of The Episcopal Church of Ascension and Rev. W. LeRoy Beckes, retired Presbyterian minister co-officiating. Burial will be private in Willow Dale Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

On line condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

 

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

All Condolences -

Ted and I are so very sorry to hear of Sarah's passing. What wonderful memories I have of our Tynewood days and our visits to Glendorn.
— Mary and Ted Basden

I never had the pleasure of meeting Sarah. I only knew of her from her two sons Paul & George who I went to high school with in Houston. After reading everything I have about her, I now know where her son George got his generous heart. Sounds like Siri Doran had a great life. That makes me happy.
— Pam Francis Wilson

George, and family I am sad to hear of your Mom's passing...Until you met gain..MAY GOD HOLD HER IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND. Rest In Peace Lovely, Generous Lady
— Susie Sullivan

My deepest sympathy to the entire Dorn family. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you. Sincerely, Nancy Fire
— Nancy Fire

Deepest condolences to the Duke and Dorn families. It was a real privilege to know Sarah and she will be greatly missed.
— Nick Gianaris

George & Family, I am truly sorry for you loss. May God be with you and give you strength during this difficult time.
— Judy Martin

George and Family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this very sad time. I can't imagine all you have and are now going through again. I remember your mom's Christmas cookies. Her trays were a masterpiece. She was a fine lady. Take care.
— John and Bonnie Spry

Prayers for family,friends and close personnel of such a fantastic lady!
— Laura Hixenbaugh

May all the family have peace, and remember Sarah as their family
— Kathryn Gray

Judy and I are so sorry for the loss of Sarah. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad and difficult time.
— Frank & Judy Autieri

Dear Dick, George, Harriett and family, I speak for the entire Pitt-Bradford campus community in expressing our deep and sincere sorrow. We grieve Sarah's loss and keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
— Livingston Alexander

Our deepest condolences. Again a famous member of the Zippo Family has left us
— Gerard & Laura Kluivingh

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. She will be missed!
— Ellen Evans

I'm very sorry for your loss. Sarah was an incredibly generous person, and her legacy will impact many families for years to come. May God comfort all of those close to her, and wrap her in his loving arms.
— Christina Abbott

We were so sad to hear of the passing of Sarah Dorn. We always thought of her as ,"Mrs. Bradford." She was such a great support to us, in all of our projects regarding the SPCA. We are so lucky to have known her. Our deepest sympathies to Mr. Dick Dorn and family.
— Carol & Grant Orris

Sarah Dorn has been a part of Bradford history for her entire lifetime. Our sympathies go to the Dorn family, and to Sarah, peace on your next journey.
— Sally Costik, Bradford Landmark Society

Her generosity and spirit will continue to inspire the community she loved.
— Jennifer Ward

What a very sweet lady. I'm so lucky that I got to meet her and chat with her on a few occasions. My deepest sympathies to Dick, George, Grant and all of Sarah's family.
— Cindy Greek

So sorry for your loss. What a wonderful woman. Prayers for the family.
— Eric and Lisa Schellhammer

So very sorry for the loss what a generous woman - thoughts and prayers to all the family
— Angela Eschrich

Bradford shall be eternally grateful for your generosity. May God's comfort rest with your family and friends.
— Ed and Karen Pecht

Such a great lady. I will miss her. Keeping the family in my thoughts and prayers.
— Dorie Meabon

Sarah will long be remembered for her generous heart to the Bradford Community.
— Francie Ambuske

I will miss this wonderful woman in my life.
— Beverly Sherman

George and family, So sorry to hear of Sarah's passing. She was a wonderful person. Let GOD carry you thru this time of sorrow till you see each other again.
— Joyce Kille

Our condolences go out to her family and friends. She was a very sweet lady. She will be deeply missed by so many.
— Wendy Cullen

I am so sorry to hear this. God bless the Blaisdell and Dorn familys.
— Linda Cobb

What a great lady! Prayers for the family. God Bless you all.
— Betty Hendryx

Condolences

  • Ted and I are so very sorry to hear of Sarah's passing. What wonderful memories I have of our Tynewood days and our visits to Glendorn.

    — Mary and Ted Basden
  • I never had the pleasure of meeting Sarah. I only knew of her from her two sons Paul & George who I went to high school with in Houston. After reading everything I have about her, I now know where her son George got his generous heart. Sounds like Siri Doran had a great life. That makes me happy.

    — Pam Francis Wilson
  • George, and family I am sad to hear of your Mom's passing...Until you met gain..MAY GOD HOLD HER IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND. Rest In Peace Lovely, Generous Lady

    — Susie Sullivan
  • My deepest sympathy to the entire Dorn family. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you. Sincerely, Nancy Fire

    — Nancy Fire
  • Deepest condolences to the Duke and Dorn families. It was a real privilege to know Sarah and she will be greatly missed.

    — Nick Gianaris