Thomas Patrick Dorney

Thomas Patrick Francis Dorney was born on September 26, 1933 in Queens, New York City. Thomas was raised in Brooklyn, New York. His parents arrived in America in 1928 from Ireland. Thomas joined the military at the age of 14 and assigned to the 71st Infantry Regiment in the New York National Guard. At the age of 15, he was assigned active duty in Occupied Germany. In Germany, he was assigned guard duty for Nazi war criminals at the Nuremberg War Trials (subsequent trials 1946 to 1949). Thomas earned the Berlin Airlift medal while in Germany in 1948. He transferred from the Army to Air Force in 1953. Also, in 1953, married the love of his life, Rita Forbes. He served in both the Korean and Viet Nam Conflicts. He was honored to be assigned to guard President Kennedy’s plane in 1962. During the Vietnam War, he served as a DOD Courtier, flying into Vietnam once a month for two years. He earned the rank of Senior Master Sergeant awarded many medals with the Meritorious Service Medal being the highest. He completed 25 years in the U.S. Military. He was a member of VFW, DAV, and American Legion. After his military career, Thomas and his wife Rita, settled in El Paso in 1973. Resident of El Paso Texas since 1973. He worked for US Customs till his retirement in 1990. He was featured in the book, The Youngest Warriors”. Thomas and Rita shared 61 years together. He is survived by his four children; Elizabeth and Martin Sandidge of Aurora, Colorado, Thomas and Leticia Dorney, John and Kris Dorney, both of El Paso, Texas, Victoria and Mike Sauerhage of Ft Worth, Texas. He had twelve grandchildren Martin, Thomas, Jeannette, Patrick, Thomas III, Sarah, Shane, Kelsey, Colin, Shannon, Erin and Bridget and nine great grandchildren Martin IV, Tiffany, Owen, Gavin, Abby, Caleb, Kaden, Presley and Liam. Preceded in death are his wife Rita, parents Thomas and Kate Dorney of Greenpointe, New York City, and four siblings Kathryn, Fredrick, Ann, and William. Graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 10:00 am at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Airforce honors. Due to COVID restrictions, you may join the family virtually at https://www.facebook.com/sunsetfuneralhome.