Jay Charles Dotterer
November 25, 1944 – May 14, 2022
Sicklerville, NJ | Age 77
Jay Dotterer, 77, passed away peacefully at home on May 14, 2022. Jay hailed from Washington, D.C., son of the late Betty and Joe Dotterer.
He is survived by his love of 58 years, Lynda (McNeill) Dotterer. Lynda often jokes how it took her a full eight months to catch Jay’s eye, which could have simply been because Jay towered at 6’7” and Lynda barely touched five feet.
Jay was a true car enthusiast and constantly in pursuit of the perfect classic VW. He stocked his already filled workshop with every tool under the sun because you just never know what the job might require. He enjoyed helping Lynda prepare for upcoming craft shows. He loved adding to his already impressive train collection. It was a safe bet that if Jay was watching TV, there was a NASCAR race on or old Western movie. One of his most favorite places to be was his wooded backyard. He and Lynda created a bit of a bird sanctuary along with a small Margaritaville section that even Jimmy Buffet would approve of.
Jay is survived by his older loving sister, Christine Embrey, who lovely referred to him by his family nickname, Dusty. The two of them shared many laughs with over the years.
Jay was a proud father to Cheryl (Dotterer) Vitkunas and Jim Vitkunas of Pennsauken, NJ; and Michael and Linda (Hagerty) Dotterer of Sewell, NJ. Cheryl looked up to her dad, and not just because of his height. Cheryl valued her dad’s advice and constant wit. Mike and his dad shared a love for NPR, good coffee, amazing music, and vegetables fresh from the raised garden-beds they re-built together this Spring.
Jay would do anything for his beloved grandchildren. He treasured his granddaughter, Brittni (Morganstein) Provencher and her husband, Dylan. He beamed with pride and love the day his officiated their wedding during lockdown. With his grandson, Haydn Dotterer, Jay shared a love of good food, computers, and the dry (yet incredibly funny) Dotterer wit.
Jay’s generous spirit will live on through all that were touched by him over the years. Jay would certainly have agreed with Jimmy Buffet’s take on life: Some of it’s magic and some of it’s tragic, but I had a good life all the way.
In lieu of services, the family asks that everyone who knew Jay think of the good times and laugh. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center in Blackwood, NJ.