Dr. Patricia Anne Dunning Doxtader

Herkimer, NY-Dr. Patricia Anne Dunning Doxtader, 91, lifelong resident of Herkimer, passed away peacefully, on Friday morning, November 25, 2016, at her home, with her dedicated and loving family by her side. She was born on August 1, 1925, in Herkimer, the daughter of the late James and Margaret Doyle Dunning. Patricia attended St. Francis de Sales Catholic School and was valedictorian of Herkimer High School, Class of 1942. She continued her education receiving a bachelor in Chemistry, a Masters in Chemistry, a Masters in Physics and at 68 years old successfully defended her PhD thesis on Nuclear Particle Acceleration Theory from SUNY Albany. On June 25, 1947, Patricia married John Doxtader at St. Francis de Sales Church, Herkimer.  The couple had nine children and were happily married for 42 years. Mr. Doxtader passed away on December 29, 1989. Patricia taught Earth Science, Chemistry and Physics for many years at Herkimer High School. She later was a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at SUNY Institute of Technology in Utica. She was a communicant of St. Francis de Sales Church where she enjoyed participating in the choir. Patricia was one of the founding members of the ARC in Herkimer and in the early years of the organization was President. Patricia’s most enduring love was for her family.  She had an appreciation for the great outdoors and started a family tradition of camping in the Adirondack mountains every summer, something she had done every summer for the last sixty years.  The family plans to carry on the tradition in July.  She loved to knit, quilt, bake, and also could rebuild a laptop. Patricia passes on her love of learning, knowledge, wisdom, and strength to her family. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Janice and Silvio Zinicola of Ashburn, VA, Mary and Joseph Burdick of Herkimer, Therese and William Susino of Alton, Kathy Doxtader of Hurley, Daniel Doxtader of Herkimer, Jacqueline Doxtader of Oneida, Timothy and Amie Doxtader of Otego and Thomas and Linda Doxtader of Utica; her siblings and their spouse, Margaret Hall, Dr. Francis and Angela Dunning, all of Herkimer and Evelyn Dunning of Camilius; her grandchildren and their spouses; Mary Anne and Michael Brelinsky, William and Ariane Susino, Kathleen Buxton, Nina and Nathan Smith, Dominic and Gina Susino, Dr. Christopher Burdick, Todd and Katie Zinicola, Dr. Erika Doxtader and Dr. Sanjay Mukhopadyhyay, Jennifer and Jett Linn, Ryan Doxtader, Cheryl and Chad Guenot, Jocelyn and Shaun Flynn, Daniel and Stephanie Burdick, Erin and Matthew Cotton, Sarah and Jason Intondi, Brian Doxtader, David and Erin Doxtader, Ashely Doxtader, Lindsey and Joshua Rumenapp, Karina and Brett Stanley, Mikaela Ellis, Courtney Doxtader, Alicia Allen, and James Doxtader; her twenty seven great grandchildren with the twenty eighth scheduled to arrive on Tuesday and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Patricia was predeceased by her siblings, Helen Wilson, Mary Burke, James “Bob” Dunning and William Dunning; her children, Paul Doxtader in 2012, Margaret “Peggy” Doxtader in 2013 and John Doxtader earlier this year and her grandson-in-law Jesse Buxton. Patricia’s funeral will be 9:15 a.m., Tuesday, November 29, 2016 from Daniel J. Enea Funeral & Cremation Care, 5860 State Route 5, between Herkimer and Little Falls and 10 a.m., in St. Francis de Sales Church, Herkimer, where her Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Very Rev. Mark Cunningham, Pastor. Interment will be made in Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, where she will be laid to rest with her husband and daughter. Family and friends are invited to visitation from 4-7 p.m., Monday, November 28, 2016, at Daniel J. Enea Funeral & Cremation Care. Contributions, in Patricia’s memory, may be offered to Catholic Charity Herkimer County, 61 West St., Ilion, NY 13357 or Hospice & Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413.  The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Hospice & Palliative Care for all of their help and care.  Arrangements are with Scott J. Pizer, Jacobson-Pizer Funeral Chapel, Inc., (315)797-9121.