John Gori

John Paul and Dorothy Spence

GORI

John Paul Gori, age 87, died unexpectedly at his home in Sparks on Wednesday, January 23, 2008. His beloved and devoted wife Dorothy Spence Gori followed him in death two days later on Friday, January 25, 2008 at her home with her family at her side. Dorothy lost a long and courageous battle with colon cancer. Dorothy defied all predictions and recently celebrated her 86th birthday.

Paul Gori born August 8, 1920, in Sparks, to the late Edward and Minnie Gori. He graduated from Sparks High School in 1938. Paul served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII and was stationed at the Air Corps training base in Punta Gorda, FL. He attained the rank of sergeant. He took great pride in his time as a crew chief for P-51 aircraft. Following the war, on April 6, 1947, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Spence in Sparks, Nevada. Paul owned and operated a service station on B St. in Sparks for several years prior to starting his career with the Southern Pacific railroad as a brakeman and later as a conductor. He worked for the railroad for 31 years before his retirement in May 1984.

Dorothy Jean Spence was born December 4, 1921 in Joplin, MO, to Noel and Una Spence. She graduated from Winchester Rural High School in 1939. Dorothy entered nurses training at St. Joseph's Hospital in Kansas City; shortly after starting she was called home following the accidental deaths of her father and brother in a farming accident. Dorothy took over the job of the family's successful farm. Dorothy attended Business College in Topeka, KS. Dorothy along with her mother, and sister moved to Sparks, NV, in 1941. She worked for the Gazette-Journal prior to accepting a job with the Southern Pacific Railroad as a business clerk. She also worked at the Nevada Club and for the Washoe County School District as a baker. An adventuresome young lady, she obtained her pilot's license in 1943. Dorothy was the longest living member of the Sparks United Methodist Church joining in 1942 she remained active in church activities. Paul and Dorothy Loved to travel and spending time at their Tahoe cabin and the joy of their grandchildren.

Paul and Dorothy are survived by there daughter, Pamela Odegaard (Richard), son Robert Gori (Leann); five grandchildren, Travis Odegaard of Campbell, CA, Whitney Odegaard of Marina del Rey, CA, Kirstin Odegaard Kaiser (Andreas) of Benicia, CA, Marshal Gori of Sparks, NV, and Melinda Gori of Sparks, NV; and Dorothy's one sister, Mildred (Dolly) Baber of Sparks, NV, Paul's one brother Floyd Gori (Angie) of eagle River, AK. The Gori's are further sur- vived by nieces, nephews and other relatives, and many friends.

Relatives and friends are welcome to a viewing at the Ross, Burke & Knobel Mortuary, 2155 Kietzke Lane, Reno, on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services for Paul and Dorothy Gori will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 31, 2008 at the Sparks United Methodist Church, 1231 Pyramid Way. The Rev. Tom Butler, pastor, will officiate. Entombment will be in Mountain View Mausoleum. Memorial funds have been established in their name for St. John's U.C.C and the V.N.A Hospice program and the American cancer Society in Dorothy's name.

God speed on your next journey. We miss you already.