Dorothy Bernice D’Esposito

Dorothy Bernice D’Esposito, 87, of Oneonta, New York, passed away on July 6, 2026, just days after celebrating her birthday. Born on July 1, 1939, in Oneonta, New York, Dorothy built a life defined by determination, imagination, and devotion to her family.

Tenacious, creative, and clever, Dorothy approached life with quiet strength and purpose. She put herself through college, a milestone that reflected her independence and resolve, and went on to raise four successful children who were among her proudest accomplishments. Art and dance were her great passions. She was especially known for her artwork, which expressed both her keen intellect and her vibrant spirit. Through her creativity, she left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of seeing her work. Dorothy was also an active member of the Aberdeen Follies and the Red Hat Society, communities where she shared laughter, friendship, and her love of performance and connection.

At the center of Dorothy’s life was her family. Her husband Jim, her children, and her grandchildren were the most important people in her world. She often reminded her children to stay close to each other and have each other’s backs because friends will come and go but your family is forever and you will always love you. That message of loyalty and unity shaped the family she nurtured and remains part of her enduring legacy.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her adoring husband Jim. She is survived by four children, Lisa Marie Minutillo (Rich) of Sarasota Florida, Cari Lu Palmieri (Michael) of Sarasota, Dori Ann D’Esposito of Marietta, Georgia, and James Andrew D’Esposito II (Sandy) of Palm Coast, Florida; ten grandchildren, Britney (Anthony) Palazzo of Lakewood Ranch, Nicholas (Amelia) Minutillo of Austin, Texas, Michal Minutillo (Kristina) of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, Ellie (Tyler) Wilson of Woodstock Georgia, Lauren Burris of Sandy Springs, Georgia, Benjamin Bower of Marietta, Georgia, Madeline Bower of Marietta, Georgia, Sara (Justin) Vincent of Ormond Beach, Florida, Paige D’Esposito of Ormond Beach, Florida, and James D’Esposito III of Palm Coast, Florida; and six great grandchildren Enzo and Anthony Palazzo of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, Rosie Minutillo of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, and Avery, Willow, and Maddie Vincent of Ormond Beach, Florida.  If Dorothy could be remembered for one thing, it would be her artwork—an expression of her creativity, intelligence, and heart. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the art department at the Cottage School in Roswell, Georgia, a tribute to the passion that meant so much to her throughout her life.

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