Dory Firley, 91, formerly of Fayetteville and Syracuse, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2023. The daughter of Sam and Mary Sagarella, she was born in Syracuse on December 9, 1931. Bright and quick witted, she skipped the 4th grade. She was awarded dual diplomas from Central and Vocational high schools. Dory took great pride in her career as a legal secretary for many prominent attorneys, including esteemed defense attorney Paul Shanahan.

A devoted pet lover, animals took naturally to her, especially her adored cat, Petey. Always impeccably dressed, Dory loved betting on horse races, a good party, fine scotch, True Blue cigarettes, and her family. She was a great cook and had little patience for those who weren’t. Her million-dollar smile showcased the whitest teeth of all!

Dory was pre-deceased by her husband, Lewis R. Firley. She is survived by her daughters, Stephanie (Brian) DeJoseph and Leslie (Matthew) Malinowski; her beloved sister, Jeanne Tartaro; grandchildren, Gina (John) Damon, Hon. Christina DeJoseph (Fadi Ghaly), Elizabeth DeJoseph (Caleb Pletts), and Matthew and Joseph Malinowski; great-grandchildren, Tess Damon and twins Henry and Lola Ghaly; several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church on Monday, March 27, 2023 at 9:30 am, followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 am and burial at Woodlawn Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dory’s memory may be made to the CNY SPCA, 5878 E Molloy Rd., Syracuse, NY 13211.

Online condolences, www.shepardsonfh.com.