Joe P. Dorsey, Jr.

Joseph Philip Dorsey, Jr., known affectionately as “Joe” or “Joe P.”, passed away at 60 years old on June 20, 2026, at home in the loving arms of his wife. With the love and support of his family, Joe fought a courageous battle with cancer. Throughout his journey, he displayed incredible courage, resilience, and grace, inspiring everyone who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of love and strength.

Joe was born on July 30,1965 to Catherine & Joseph (Shaffer) Dorsey, Sr. He was a lifelong resident of Southern Maryland and a beloved member of his family.

For over 45 years, Joe was a dedicated truck driver. He enjoyed driving all over the continental US, developing life-long friendships with his co-workers. He especially enjoyed his time with Dyncorp, hauling military equipment to bases from coast to coast and everywhere in between. He concluded his career as a driver for Walmart, transporting merchandise up and down the northeast corridor out of Distribution Center #7830 in Pottsville, PA.

The hum of the engine, the endless highways, and the changing horizons were more than just a job to him–they were a way of life. He took pride in delivering goods that kept communities running, often going the extra mile (literally and figuratively) to get the job done right. He was known for his dedication, safety record, and friendly demeanor. He was a skilled operator, respected by peers, and valued by customers for his professionalism and reliability. Beyond the miles traveled, he was known for his warm smile, quick wit, and unwavering work ethic. He had a gift for making friends wherever the road took him and a heart big enough to carry them all.

When not behind the wheel, he cherished time with family, swapping stories over coffee, and enjoying the simple pleasures–a good meal, a quiet evening, and the laughter of loved ones.

His many years traveling made him sharper than any GPS, guiding not just with direction, but with wisdom, humor, and love. If you were to ever get lost, you did not need a map, you just needed to call Joe. He guided with patience, laughter, and a knack for finding the scenic route in life. He did not just know where you were, but he knew where you needed to go, and his love was the map that kept us all together. Even now, as we face this hardest road, we are grateful for every path he has helped us find.

Known for his reliable presence and incredibly generous heart, Joe brought vibrant warmth to the lives of those who knew him best. He was effortlessly the center of attention wherever he went, always ready with a joke or a story to make you laugh and brighten up the room. Even after being out on the road for days with only a limited time at home, if someone needed him, he would be right there without hesitation to lend a helping hand.

He also had a gift for music that made everyone feel at home. Whether it was a familiar pop tune or a classic from another era, he could name the artist and sing along with the words. Friends often said he could ‘name that tune’ just by hearing a few notes–a skill that brought joy to gatherings and made him a favorite at family events.

Joe was a deeply devoted family man. He is survived by his loving wife, Laurie; his stepdaughter, Elizabeth “Beth” Metzger (Jamie); stepdaughter in-law, Stephanie Metzger (Phillip), his four sisters, Donna Bean (Leonard), Nancy Snellings, Ann Dorsey, and Gloria “Dee” Diaz (JJ); and his three grandchildren, Rory Metzger, Rocco Metzger and Alex Metzger, whom he referred to as his most favorite people in the world. He also leaves behind a close-knit circle of relatives and friends who will deeply miss his companionship, his humor, and the many laughs and memories they shared throughout the years.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Joseph Phillip Dorsey, Sr. (“Shaffer”) and Catherine Dorsey, and his stepson, Phillip “Phil” Metzger.

Joe’s life and memory will be honored by all those who knew and loved him.

The family will receive friends on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm with prayers being recited at 7:00pm at the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home in Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 10:30am at the St. John’s Francis Regis Parish Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD with Reverend Ray Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow at Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD.

Serving as pallbearers are Joseph L. Bean Sr., Joseph L. Bean Jr., David J. Guy Jr., David L. Lathroum, Michael B. Lambeck, and James W. Preston. Honorary pallbearers will be Rory Metzger, Rocco Metzger, and Alex Metzger.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Joe in his honor to Hospice of St. Mary’s (P.O. Box 625 Leonardtown, MD. 20650), or A.C.T.S. (A Community That Shares), P.O. Box 54, Bushwood, MD 20618

Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.