Thomas Edward Dorn

Thomas "Tom" Dorn, 84, passed away in Suwanee, GA on March 26, 2024. He was born in Fresno, California on April 22, 1939, to the late Arliss and Hilareita Dorn. He lived most of his life in Fresno moving to Georgia in 2008 to be closer to some of his children.

In 1966, Tom married the love of his life, Judith “Judy” Catanesi and they were married for 57 years. Growing up, their families knew each other and even attended the same schools but didn’t meet until college at the Newman Club. Tom even received his first haircut from Judy’s father. They were true soulmates.

Tom was a graduate of Fresno State University, earning his Master’s Degree in Music Education. Tom had a passion for music. He was a band director for 4th through 8th grades, a classroom teacher with 5th and 6th graders, and taught special education. He worked most of his 28 years in the Bass Lake Unified School District, a small mountain district close to Yosemite National Park, retiring in 1999. Even though his job was 45 miles from home, he participated in various activities and events in the small town where he worked and was part of their community. He truly loved his students and his job as an educator.

He had a passion for learning new things including hobbies like golf, deep sea diving, flying an airplane, building model trains, and too many other activities to count. One of his most beloved hobbies was singing in the Barbershop Harmony Society for over 50 years, participating in choruses and quartets in both California and Georgia. He had the privilege of being able to compete at international competitions with his chorus placing as high as 7th in the world (twice). He loved singing for his community over the year in shows, singing valentines, and community events.

Not only did he teach music, but he was also active in playing the tuba in several community bands in California and Georgia. During his time in the Army, he played tuba in the 5th and 6th Army Bands. A favorite memory was playing for Mayor Daley in Chicago.

Being involved in the Catholic Church was very important to Tom and his family. Over his lifetime he served in many different roles like altar server, Eucharistic minister, choir member, worked with Confirmation students, and much more. One of his most important roles in the church was being a part of the Knights of Columbus as a 4th degree Knight in California and Georgia. He loved being a part of honor guard duties like protecting the bishop, First Communion Masses, and funerals.

Even though Tom was very active in his job and hobbies, his most important role was being a father and grandfather. He was very active with his children’s and grandchildren’s many activities including scouts, music, and dance. His family loved to travel together and even made a 6-week cross country trip in an RV one summer. He attained his goal of visiting all 50 states in the United States with Judy by his side.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Dorn; children, Steve Dorn (Crystal), Kathy Durden (Matt), and Matt Dorn (Danyel); grandchildren, Daren, Matthew, Corissa (Ryan), Madison, Michael, and Matthew; sister, Margaret Young (Les); and sister-in-law, Susan, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Tom was preceded in death by his son, Anthony, and brother, Charlie.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Road, Roswell, GA 30076. A funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 12:00 PM at St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church, 4633 Shiloh Rd, Cumming, GA 30040. Tom will be laid to rest at a later date at St Peter Cemetery, 264 North Blythe Ave., Fresno, CA 93706. The graveside service will be Friday April 12th at 11:00 AM at St Peter’s Catholic Cemetery. 264 Blythe Ave, Fresno CA 93706. Inside the St Anthony Mausoleum. A reception will follow at Legacy Christian Church 2171 Villa Ave, Clovis, CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus: National (https://www.kofc.org/) or Georgia (https://www.gakofc.org).

Tom's legacy of faith and love for his family, friends and music will forever be cherished by those who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace with his Heavenly Father.