Suffolk —Yale Dolsey was born in Richmond, Va. on Sept. 7, 1923, and died in Norfolk on Jan. 24, 2013. He was 89 years old.
During World War II, he was a decorated officer in the United States Army Air Corps, serving as a Navigator in the Pacific. He was an active member of the Portsmouth business community for more than 40 years as the owner of Berman Loans.
At Gomley Chesed Synagogue he was past president of the congregation, past president of the Men’s Club, treasurer of Club 35 and served on the temple board of directors. Some of the many honors and awards that he received in his lifetime were: the Blue Yarmulke Man of the Year, Virginia Volunteer of the Year, and the Portsmouth Sports Club Sportsman of the Year. He was a life member of Masonic Lodge #53 in Richmond and Masonic Lodge #1 in Norfolk. He was also a member of the Chesapeake Athletic Club.
He had a passion for basketball, and was one of the founding organizers of the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (PIT). He received many awards for his dedication to PIT, including the Robert Ferrick Award and the Cotton Fitzsimmons Award. Many NBA players have stated that Yale, as a member of the PIT selection committee for over 60 years, was directly responsible for their opportunity to be scouted and selected by the NBA.
Yale was a warm, loving, and funny father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was predeceased by his wife of over 50 years, Cecelia, in 1999. They are survived by their children: Linda Bress (Larry), Robert Dolsey (Joan Irvine), and Michael Dolsey; grandchildren: Jodi Dobrinsky (Andy), Shari Mesh (Josh), Brian Bress (Brit Woods), Sarah, Amelia, Joseph and Jackson Dolsey and Allie and Rikki Dolsey, and great grandchildren: Noah and Jordan Dobrinsky, and Maxwell and Sophie Mesh.
In 2004, his caring nature and warm smile won the heart of his loving wife Brenda, who survives him. Together, they enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family. He is predeceased by his stepson John Michael Anderson, and survived by his stepdaughter Brenda Michelle Johnson (Jim).
Yale’s funeral was held at Congregation Beth El by Rabbi Jeff Arnowitz. Burial followed at Gomley Chesed Cemetery.. Sturtevant Funeral Home.
Donations to the Gomley Chesed Synagogue, the National Kidney Foundation, or the American Heart Association.
Letters of Condolence may be sent to Brenda Dolsey at 5136 N Harbor Rd., Suffolk, VA. 23435. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.