Wendell Larry Dorminy

Wendell Larry Dorminy, 86, of Charleston, SC, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, November 2, 2025 in Wyncote, PA.

Larry was born March 24, 1939 in Douglas, Georgia to Bryant Hanes Dorminy and Audrey Lee Whitley. He attended grade school in Monroe, NC and high school in Jacksonville, FL. Following his passion for musical performance, he completed his undergraduate degree at Jacksonville University and graduated with a Masters of Music from Florida State University, culminating in a Doctorate of Music from Indiana University.

Larry’s life was led by his love for music, boating, and his family. He was a music professor at West Chester University when he met his wife, Dona Jean Dorminy (nee Ellis), and married in 1982. They had two children, Amelia and Mildred, and raised them in Downingtown, PA.

An avid boater, he enjoyed cruising the Chesapeake Bay and traveling up and down the Intracoastal Waterway. After retiring from a long, fulfilling tenure at West Chester University, Larry and Dona moved to Charleston, SC, and lived on their boat, the Amilado, for a number of years.

He is remembered lovingly by all as a kind, generous friend and father. Larry spent countless hours volunteering for Charleston charities and especially enjoyed ushering for performances at local theaters.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dona Jean.

Larry is survived by his two children, Amelia (Jacob Speicher) Dorminy and Mildred (Leonard) Vannicola; grandchildren Micah and Bodie Speicher and Leo Vannicola; sister Sandra (Charles) Williamson; and nephews Chuck and James Williamson.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Larry’s favorite charities supporting local public tv and radio (etvendowment.org) and fighting hunger (lowcountryfoodbank.org).

Arrangements entrusted to the Joseph J. McGoldrick Funeral Home, Jenkintown, PA.

Condolences: www.McGoldrickFH.com