JOHN DORRIAN

DORRIAN--John Francis, a proud son of Ireland and New York, affectionately known as Jack, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2022. He was surrounded by the many loving arms of his family. He was a devout Catholic and rarely missed mass. He leaves behind a great legacy, Dorrian's Red Hand, which opened in 1960. If you ever felt at home at Dorrian's, it is because of the love and compassion of its stalwart patriarch. He was a generous soul who embraced everyone. He was a fierce competitor at backgammon and cards, who left many memories of battle and victory behind. He was honored as a Yorkville community leader for feeding the senior citizens in the area once a week, at no cost, so they had somewhere to go and socialize. However, he was happiest with his wife Carol, "the most beautiful girl in New York", and the love of his life. As one of the most memorable and successful of New York's bar owners, he was iconic for: his love of a cold glass of milk and a champagne bucket filled with Coca Cola in a bottle, standing at the horse track, cheering on his many thoroughbreds, driving around Europe stopping where it suited him, his generous and valued advice, his talent for listening intently and kindly to those who sought him out, and, of course, enjoying a good cigar. Jack, one of five, is survived by his brother James and sister Marie. He was a devoted husband to Carol, loving father to Laura, Johnny, Michael, Mary, Carol, Chris, Danny and Jimmy. He was grandfather to 14 grandchildren and the unofficial godfather and bestower of nicknames to many of the residents of the Upper East Side and elsewhere. He recently traveled to Ireland with his children on his final pilgrimage. He traveled far and wide for the best plate of pasta, evidenced by the countless stains on his shirt. To the end, he was asking anyone who would indulge him down to the Jersey Shore for a ripe tomato or the last of the ripest summer stone fruit. He will be deeply missed, but the family is at peace knowing Carol and Johnny, their son, are there to welcome him. The wake will be held at Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel on the UES from 4-8pm on Monday, August 22, 2022. The funeral service will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on E. 89th Street on Tuesday at 10am.