Dorothy A. McAvoy, 84, our cherished mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully after a year- long illness on Monday, December 1, 2025 at her home, with her family by her side.
Dorothy “Dottie” was born on March 6,1941 in Brooklyn, NY to Pasquale & Genovannina Maria Rossi and attended Midwood High School. She met the love of her life, Allen C. McAvoy in 1955 and they were married on December 4,1957, two crazy kids in love!
In 1969, Dorothy and Allen moved the family from Brooklyn to Manorkill, NY. They spent over 30 wonderful years renovating their home and raising their family. They were very excited to bring their first grandchild, Ryan Allen home here. There would be six more grandchildren welcomed to follow.
Dorothy worked at both the Schoharie ARC’s 123 School, and Schoharie Central School for several years as a teacher’s aide. She also worked as a Home Health Aide, but her favorite job was when she became her grandchildren’s sitter for several years. She loved to work with children in any capacity. She opened her home to many children to live and thrive, providing an environment filled with love. Her belief in the importance of nurturing children is reflected in her favorite poem by Forest E. Witcraft:
“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank
account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove.
But the world may be different because I was important
In the life of a child.”
In their later years they traded the mountains for coastal life on the Outer Banks, NC. They enjoyed boating and kayaking in the sound, daily walks on the beach and hosting family and friends. Their grandchildren also loved summers at the beach with them. After several years they returned to Middleburgh in 2005, as the desire to be closer to their family was too great.
After Allen’s passing, Dorothy lived with her daughter Veronica and son-in-law Dennis. They spent summers in Schroon Lake, wintered in Sunset Beach, NC. Eventually returning to reside closer to family full time in Worcester.
Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband: Allen; her brothers: Pat and Patrick Rossi; her son-in-law: Henry “Van” Pindar III; sisters-in-law: Janice D’Astoli and Linda Romaine; brothers-in-law: Sonny D’Astoli and Fred Castronova; and
loving niece: Brooke Raines.
Dorothy is survived by her loving daughters and son-in-law: Veronica (Dennis) McAvoy-Gonseth and Victoria McAvoy; her siblings: Josephine Castronova, Anthony (Debbie) Rossi, and Terry (Dan) Henderson; sister-in-law: Diane (Ralph) Fretta; brother-in-law: Kenny (Marianne) Sundbye; grandchildren: Ryan (Krissy) McAvoy, Henry (Delia) Pindar IV,
Katie (Zack) McAvoy-Pindar, Luke McAvoy, John (Hannah) Bard, Kevin (Kate) Kirley,
Jake Greaney, Aubrey Greaney; great-grandchildren: Adelina and Maddalyn McAvoy, Vanessa and Elenore Greaney, Ezra, Isaak and Elyse Kirley, Justin and Josiah Madison;
God-son: Steven Sarris and many nieces and nephews.
Dorothy’s close friends that were like family include: Nancy, Tony and Greg Sarris, Mike and Carol Smith, Jerry and Lorraine Gentile, George Toften, Lonnie Rathgeber, the Kane girls, Joanne Norton and Joanne Banks.
Dorothy’s family would like to extend thanks to Amanda Brimlow, PA, and
Sara Lauterbach, PA for their extraordinary care of Dorothy throughout the past year, as well as the staff of Bassett Hospital Cooperstown. They would also like to recognize the most recent care received from Helios, Oneonta and the wonderful, loving care provided by Liz Hopkins, RN and Inda Gillett-Fitch, LMSW.
A celebration of Dorothy’s life in the Spring of 2026 for family and friends, on a date to be announced.
Dorothy’s family requests memorial donations in her honor be sent to:
Helios Care, 297 River Street, Suite 1, Oneonta, NY 13820
Please visit www.coltrainfuneralhome.com to share online condolences with Dorothy’s family.
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