Dorothy Jane Neese, 85, of Russell, PA, died on Saturday, May 1, 2021, following an 18 month battle with Leukemia.
Dorothy was born in New Bethlehem, PA on June 25, 1935, the daughter of the late Elio and Teresa Izzi Vernesoni of Seminole, PA. She was a 1953 graduate of Redbank Valley High School. Following graduation, she moved to Summerville, PA where she was a valued secretary at the Hanley Brick Company while awaiting the return of her future husband from the Korean Conflict. On June 18, 1955, she married John M. Neese who preceded her in death. They made Warren County, PA their home living in Sugar Grove and Lander before purchasing their home in Russell. She was employed by the Warren County School District as a cafeteria manager and teacher’s aide until her retirement in 2008. Dorothy was a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church in Warren, PA. She enjoyed her polka and dinner club friends. Dorothy also enjoyed going on cruises and shopping at ports for unique jewelry that she loved.
Dorothy is survived by her long-time companion, John Lacki of Russell, PA; three children, Geri Neese and her husband Stephen Berlin of Lewisburg, PA, John Neese, II and his wife Cindy, of Johnstown, PA, Lori Kolin and her husband Keith of Cambridge Springs, PA, and a grandson, Dr. Jeremy Neese of Philadelphia, PA. She is also survived by a special aunt, Catherine (Izzi) Swartz, of Brookville, PA; three brothers – Richard, Dennis, and Ronald Vernesoni, and a sister – Mary (Robert) Dempsey; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by an infant son.
Due to COVID concerns, a one-hour viewing will take place at St. Joseph R.C. Church, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. West, Warren, PA, on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, from 11:00am until 12Noon, at which time a Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted with Fr. Richard Tomasone, Pastor, officiating. A private burial will follow at the St. Charles Cemetery, New Bethlehem, PA. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Hospice of Warren County, www.hospiceofwarrencounty.org, 1 Main Ave., Warren, PA, 16365, or to a charity of your choice. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.