83, of Phoenix, AZ was reunited with his wife of 50 years, Barbara Anne, on April 18, 2014. Neil was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans and Military Order of the Cooties as well as a friend to numerous other veteran and military organizations. Neil retired as an installer from Western Electric and spent countless hours volunteering for the Veterans Administration Hospital. Neil and Barbara started a nonprofit organization for veterans, Veterans Service Association, Inc. VSAI. Connie was predeceased by his wife, Barbara Anne; brothers Joseph, Robert and Peter, sisters Hope and Joan (Patsy). He is survived by his children Mark Wayne Dora, Evelyn Louise Bersack (Stephen), Sherri Anne Dora, Diane Leigh Dora, Paula Joanne Rodriguez (Raul), Joseph Paul Dora and James Justin Dora (Denise); grandchildren Michael Dora (Rhoanne), Samantha Bersack, Patrick Bersack, Santos Hernandez, Anthony Rodriguez, Branden Dora, Dylan Rodriguez, Ryan Rodriguez, Stephanie Bersack Adams (James); his brother Raymond, sisters Judith and Martha and numerous other family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to VSAI, P.O. Box 16008, Phoenix, AZ 85011-6008. Visitation will be held from 6-8pm, with a Rosary at 7:30pm, Wednesday, April 23, 2014 and a Funeral Service at 11am, Thursday, April 24 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery.
Steven, Louise, Alise and Jill Aalto
Dear Dora family, we were greatly sadden to hear the news about Uncle Connie passing away. He was everyone’s favorite! He connected with all of us because of his genuine caring and sincere interest in our lives. He was an inspiration to all of us with his tireless work with the veterans. We will truelly miss but never forget Uncle Connie.
Love Steven, Louise, Alise and Jill
We will keep you all in our hearts, thoughts and prayers!
Alise Aalto
Dear Dora Family,
I would like to offer my deepest condolences at the passing of Connie. He was a cherished brother to my grandmother, Pat, a favorite uncle to my father, myself, and so many of my cousins. Even though we only saw him in Massachusetts every few years, “Uncle Corny” was a beloved member of our family. The caring warmth of his spirit and dedication to his family, as well as the men and women who served this country is the legacy he will leave behind, as he will be greatly missed by many.
With love,
Alise Aalto
Jill Aalto
Dear Dora family,
I want to express my deepest condolences for the passing of Uncle Connie but I would also love to share with you how much of an inspiration Uncle Connie was to. Although I was only able to meet him a few times we spoke countless hours on the phone. He would share with me stories of his sister and my grandmother, Pat, stories of my grandfather but most of all stories of his service for the United States. All of the hours he put into helping Veterans like himself truly inspired me. I plan to become a Veterans Association Hospital Nurse in his honor. He was a true inspiration and I will always remember him in my work and do my best to honor him and make him proud.
With Love
Jill
Ronald (Reddy) Avila
Dear Dora Family and Friends,
I am very sorry for this tough loss to your family. I grew up down the street and am best friends with Michael Dora and Mr. Dora was a second grandfather to me. He was always nice to me and treated me like one of his grand kids. Ill always remember him sitting in his favorite chair, or at his computer, and the times he would take Michael and me to Arizona Mills Mall to see movies which seemed a world away back then. I would just like to say Thank You Mr. Dora for everything and your memory will always live on.
Best Wishes
Ron (Reddy) Avila