Daniel Dorsey

Daniel Lee Dorsey, born on December 31, 1962, passed away on November 9, 2024, at the age of 61. Born to Louis Lee Branch and Agnes Carol Dorsey, Daniel was a devoted son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, known for his kindness, beautiful spirit, and willingness to help others. He was deeply loved by his family and many friends, who will cherish his memory forever. 

Daniel, the fifth of six children, grew up in a close-knit family. He attended Belvedere Elementary School, McMillan Jr. High, and North High School (Go Vikings!) in Omaha, Nebraska, where he formed lifelong friendships. He was a proud member of the North High School Class of '81. 

Over the years, Daniel worked in various roles, including at Avis Car Rental, Omaha Eppley Airfield, and Sky Harbor. His true passion, however, was working with his hands. From fixing cars to landscaping, to his work as a property manager and contractor, he brought skill, pride, and dedication to every task.

 During football season, you could find Daniel and his son with family at Ms. Dorsey’s house cheering on his beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers. They would spend hours on Saturday and Sunday watching football, eating and drinking beer, telling jokes, and sharing stories, combined with plenty of love and laughter – all while betting on which team would win. That’s where his son, Daniel, developed a love of sports.

Daniel amassed an impressive collection of albums and cassette tapes that brought joy and rhythm to his life. At every family event you could expect to see Daniel behind the scenes, putting cassettes into boom boxes, and spinning vinyl albums on the record player, all while watching others snap and dance to the Commadores, Funkadelic, Parliament, and others. Daniel had that “party snap” in his fingers.

 Daniel also loved to grill ribs, chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, and feather bones. His family never worried about who was doing the grilling, because they knew that Daniel would be standing outside, no matter the season, in the elements, grilling. His barbecues were legendary among family and friends, and his cooking and music combined into unforgettable gatherings. 

The greatest legacy of Daniel's life is his son and three beloved grandchildren, who brought him immense joy, as well as his five siblings, who remember him for his warmth, generosity, and steadfast loyalty. He was deeply loved by many and will be remembered for the kindness, humor, and light he brought into the lives of everyone he knew. 

He leaves behind his son, Daniel Lee Mitchell (Tanika) of Upper Marlboro, MD; three grandchildren, Iziah, Daniel Jr., and Messiah; his son’s mother, Ethel Mitchel-Rock (Wayne) of Glenn Dale, MD; siblings, Wilbert Dorsey of Denver, CO, Kevin Dorsey (Lynn) of Palos Verdes, CA, Donna Dorsey, Brenda Dorsey, and Bruce Dorsey, all of Omaha, NE; special childhood friends, Levy Chism, John Jones, and Ronnie Trammel; cousin, Carlos Watson; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Daniel also leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, music, and lasting memories that will always be cherished. His life will live on in our memories forever.