Beloved employee Doria passes away

Author: Zamir Ahmed

Joseph C. (Joe) Doria passed away on Oct. 2, 2007 at the Albany Medical Center in Albany, N.Y. at the age of 86. Doria, who had been employed at the College for over 40 years, succumbed to injuries sustained seven weeks prior in an automobile accident.

Doria, who was born in Winooski, Vt. on Aug. 24, 1921, graduated from Becker College in 1942 before joining the United States Army during World War II. While with the military, Doria saw action in Europe and eventually received a Bronze Star for his service.

After returning to Vermont following the war, Doria ran Doria's Market in Middlebury with his two brothers until 1964. The grocery store was located close to the College's campus, helping to serve the needs of countless College students and creating a bond between students and Doria.

"This was pre-everybody on campus having cars," said his son, David Doria. "Because it was so close to campus, it catered to College students a lot. He knew hundreds of students from the '40s, '50s and '60s."

Doria eventually went to work for the College in 1963, first working at the Middlebury College Snow Bowl snack bar before serving as an assistant to the director of dining halls and residential halls. He then moved to the Office of the Comptroller, assuming the position of accounting assistant until officially retiring in 1986. After his retirement, Doria returned to the College in 1988, assuming a number of seasonal positions, working as a ticket seller at the Snow Bowl, a pro shop attendent at the Ralph Myhre Golf Course and at the desk at the College's Bread Loaf campus. According to those who knew him, Doria remained with the College to enjoy what he loved.

"He was a very giving, loving guy," said David Doria. "Even though he retired about 20 years ago, he stayed at the College because he loved to be around people."

Those who worked beside Doria also witnessed his love and consideration of others.

"If you met him once and talked to him, it was like he knew you forever after that," said John Davis, Doria's coworker at the pro shop. "He was a really sincere guy. He loved people, he loved talking to people. He never said a bad word about anyone. That was the type of guy he was."

Doria's connection to the College extended beyond his job. He was also known as a great fan and supporter of Middlebury athletics, as well as an avid follower of his children and grandchildren's athletic endeavors. Those two passions meshed when Doria's grandson, Levi Doria '05, played for the men's hockey team for three years.

Doria's enthusiasm for sports also manifested itself in his own athletic prowess, which culminated in an impressive high school sports career. Doria played baseball, track, football and hockey at Middlebury Union High School and served as captain of the hockey and football teams. Doria was also a former racehorse owner and a lifelong horseracing fan, often traveling to the Saratoga Race Track during the racing season.

Doria is survived by his three children, David Doria, Harold "Bucky" Doria and Debbie Doria, seven grandchildren, a great-grandchild and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Doria was honored with a Mass of Christian Burial on Oct. 5 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Middlebury, followed by a reception at the American Legion. Memorial contributions may be made to the Joseph C. Doria Memorial Fund, Old Courthouse, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753. The fund will support the placing of a bench in Doria's memory on the Middlebury College campus.