Obituary of Col. Michael A. O'Dockerty

Colonel Michael Arthur O'Dockerty passed away at St. Mary's Hospital, Amsterdam, on Tuesday, March 14, 2017. Born on June 3, 1941, Col. O'Dockerty was 75 years old. He was the oldest son of the late C. Vincent and Virginia (Keough) Dockerty. Col. O'Dockerty attended St. Johnsville Central School, graduating in 1959. He graduated from Cornell University in 1963 with a B.S. in Plant Science, and then went on to receive his M.S. degree in Botany from University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1966. He married Sandra Evarts on June 19, 1965; they celebrated their golden anniversary on June 18, 2015 surrounded by family and friends. "Mr. O." as his students called him, began a 34 year teaching career at Fonda-Fultonville Central School in 1968. He retired in 2003 but missed his "kids", as he called his students. With great love for his country, Col. O'Dockerty joined Army R.O.T.C at Cornell University and became a commissioned officer in 1963. He bravely and proudly served his country in Vietnam from 1966-1967 with the 446 Transportation Company, 7th Logistics Command where his primary concern was keeping the men in his charge safe. Following his active duty, Col. O'Dockerty continued to serve his country as a U.S. Army Reserves Officer with the 331st General Hospital in Utica, NY until his retirement in 1995; during that time, he was an active duty officer for over 10 years. Col. O'Dockerty was a devout Catholic and member of St. Cecilia's Church in Fonda, attending mass at the St. Kateri Shrine during the summer months. He was a member of the Fonda-Fultonville Retired Teachers Association, VFW Post 942 in Fonda, American Legion Post 168 in St. Johnsville, Pine Tree Rifle Club in Johnstown and a docent at the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga. Mike deeply loved his faith, his family, his country and his "kids". He took great joy in seeing his former students and talking with them about their lives. Col. O'Dockerty is survived by his wife, Sandra; his daughter, Charlotte Will and her husband Mark; his son, Michael. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Simon and Bridget Will; three brothers, Terence (Lorrie) Dockerty of Fort Myers, Florida, Timothy Dockerty of St. Johnsville and Arthur (Lori) Dockerty of St. Johnsville. Several nieces and nephews also survive. The family will receive family and friends from 4pm until 7pm on Friday, March 17, 2017 at the Jackson & Betz Funeral Home, 15 Main Street, Fultonville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 11am at St. Cecilia's Church, 26 Broadway, Fonda. Burial will be held at a later date at Evergreen Cemetery, Fonda. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Col. O'Dockerty's name can be made to the VFW Post 942 Fonda-Fultonville Senior Scholarship Fund, 2495 Rt. 30A, Fonda, NY, 12068. Online condolences can be made at www.brbsfuneral.com.