Greece, NY: November 2, 2020. Cory Doty died, at age 50. Dart player, shop teacher, drivers ed instructor and binge watcher; Doty made his last inappropriate statements and gestures on Halloween 2020.
After just starting his fight with cancer he was unexpectedly taken down, like Hans Gruber in the Nakatomi building. He had a stroke and passed away days later on November 2nd. Not one to go quietly into the night, in his final days at home Cory insisted on being naked and giving the finger to friends as a farewell. The way he died is just like he lived: he wrote his own rules, said whatever would create the most discomfort and made himself laugh.
Most people thought he was crazy with his Halloween obsession, for the friends he associated with, for streaking at a Redneck Party, for marrying a redhead, and for the things he would say. But Cory had a grin, a twinkle in his eye, a gravity of likability pulling everyone in, that made his behavior make sense. It is that uniqueness that made everyone love him.
People knew hanging out with him would end in a night of rib splitting laughter and a head splitting hangover, but no distance was too great to travel to see him and no excuse worthy of missing the time with him.
Cory loved scary things, beer, good TV, racing, football, his dogs and being at the cottage with family and friends. He also worked hard and was always willing to help a friend in need. Additionally, Cory found time to knock up his wife and father Spenser Doty, 22 and Carter Doty, 20. He was so proud of his boys and enjoyed having the house full of them and their friends.
He was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important. – the simplicity of living a life with those you love. And he loved “most of you”.
Although he loved a good party and a night out on the town, sometimes he would trade it all for a night in front of the fire with his family and friends or day drinking and a nap on a Saturday afternoon. Cory’s regrets were…well, he had no regrets. That is how he lived.
Of all the people he touched (both willing and unwilling) his best decision was when he duct taped and kidnapped his eventual wife Kimberly. Kim tolerated, enjoyed, bought into, and just accepted Cory from the day they met to his last day. Kim and Cory had a special love for each other and were simply inseparable the last few months.
Beer companies and Halloween stores are financially devastated and saddened by the loss of Cory as well.
Cory left his legacy in the hands of his wife Kimberly and sons Spenser and Carter, Mother Helen and Father Lee, Brother Kevin (Sue) Doty, In Laws Robert Owen, Jeff (Blanca) Owen, Terry (Nancy) Owen and Nieces and Nephews Scott (Jess), Jennifer (Mike), Indira (Greg), Benny, Emily, Tyler and Sarah. He is predeceased by Mother in Law Joan Owen.
Cory asked specifically of Kim to have a “Celebration of Life” to be held this Spring/Summer sometime where there will be plenty of beverages and you will be asked to tell a “Cory Story”.
In lieu of flowers, pay off some of his bar tabs, apologize to someone he said “that Cory thing” to and promise, in his name, you will live your life as free and joyful and loving as he did. Donations can also be sent to Verona Street Animal Shelter in Cory’s name if you so desire.
Best obituary ever! My heart is with you and your family, Kim.
RIP Doty. Thanks for all the help you gave in high school buddy. The wrestling trips were always better with you around. I had a blast with you and always will remember the advise you gave. I love your lease on life. See ya soon buddy in the blink of an eye.
I asked your brother Kevin in the practice session for a modified race on iracing Where the hell has Cory been, not seen him here in a while. I found out you went a lap ahead. You and I became great friends in a very short period of time. So I know the kind of person you were. Race In Peace My Friend. My the blue car always be out front.
My heartfelt thoughs and prayers to the entire Doty Family and all of your friends. You will be missed. Cheers Eh!
Such a wonderful and fitting tribute, Kim! Thinking of you and your family and hoping that you will be able to hold on to these memories and smile when you think of Cory.
I am so sorry for your loss! The obituary makes me wish I had known him! What an amazing true-to-self person! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Oh My, this is perfectly amazingly written. This was Cory. His legacy will definitely live on, without a doubt.
Hugs to you all
Cory was a great person and will truly be missed. He taught 4 of my kids and always took the time to ask how each was doing on our yearly SU trip. The trip, Greece Athena, world will not be the same. Thanks for capturing Dotyism and giving us another smile.
Perfectly worded and inspiring. Cory, my friend, I will always make sure to live life just as you did, with no regrets! Everytime I say cheers, it will be a toast in your honor!
Such a great tribute! Sending hugs and prayers!
Praying for all!! Looks like he will entertain Heaven❤️. Love y’all!! Harry & Mittie Belle
That is by far the truest obituary I have ever read. I’m proud to have known him and been a part of his shenanigans. Abay will never be the same.
Beautiful tribute! Looking forward to celebrating Cory’s life.
Keeping the family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Kim, seeing you this past week and listening to you as your wheels were spinning -I knew you would come up with the perfect portrayal of your soul mate. You rocked it….this one is for you Cory. Sending hugs to all..💜
I have never smiled so much reading an obituary.
I am so sorry for this tremendous loss.
Sending love to you Kim, Spenser and Carter. This was a beautiful tribute. I laughed and cried… but laughed and that’s exactly what Cory would want. ❤️
Love- Becca
If you didn’t know Cory Doty before reading his obituary you do now. What a beautiful summarization of who he was! This Halloween picture of Kim and Cory has always been my favorite. To me it represents one of the joys the Doty’s shared with all of us. Cory will be greatly missed, I will always smile when I think of him because he was always smiling when I saw him. My deepest sympathy and love. Renee
Even in death he makes us laugh. Best obit ever!!! I laughed but then cried not happy tears. What a loss this world is experiencing. My heart goes out to his family and friends. I hate this for you.
This is by far the best. He was such a character and anyone who knew him no matter what stage in life loved him and his ways and that smile ! The world has lost a great one . Prayers and healing for the families and days to come . He’ll always be in someone’s stories , laughs and memories .
Thank you for this – as we read it our heart grew heavy and then we both laughed – going to miss him – but he will always be apart of us
Wow, what a great tribute. We are so sorry for your loss Kim and have been thinking of you and the boys since we heard of his illness just days before his death. We were so lucky to have known him and your family through the boys soccer years. Sending our love and prayers to you, Spencer, and Carter.
Kim, I have never laughed while reading an obituary yet here Freddy and I were both smiling, you nailed it! Thinking of you and the boys and praying for you all. RIP Cory ❤
Wonderful tribute. Cory will be missed. Praying for you and your family.
This says it all! Very fitting and so great to have a laugh while crying reading it. I’m so sorry for your loss but happy for the gift you all had while he was with you.
Wow, that was perfect, so Cory!
Very sorry he’s gone but happy you have so many good times to remember.
Thinking of you Kim, Spenser and Carter.
Hugs, Laura, aka Sue’s mom!
Very nice great obituary you nailed it. You and your boys are in our thoughts and prayers.
What a fabulous remembrance of him. He so loved his family and he was always a lot of fun, I think it’s a family thing. We are thinking of you all and know that the memories you have will bring laughs and joy for years to come. Cory certainly will be missed, but NEVER FORGOTTEN.
The best obituary I’ve every read… this perfectly captured a life of which mere mortals could only dream. Sending so many prayers your way.
Cory was always so inclusive with my grandson Andrew during Andrew’s Athena days!! I will never forget that kindness!
My deepest condolences to all who are experiencing the loss of “ his light and love of life” 🙏🏻
Cory’s laugh is what I will remember from working with him on our team so many years ago. Best obituary ever! Sending so many prayers your way!
Well done Beautiful Lady! Amazing how you used your words to paint a fantastic picture of your amazing man. True soulmates when the words you wrote seem like the voice of Cory speaking through you. Our hearts are so very heavy for you right now.
Really struggling with this. Cory was my tech teacher and mentor all through high school. He was the teacher at the other end of the hall, shouting “NEWMANNNNN!!” and “REDRUM” and had that big Cory grin on his face by the time you got to the other end.
My heart breaks with this news, more than I ever would have imagined. Rest easy Doty!! Really going to miss you. Thanks for all you did for me and how you shaped me.
-Newman
Perfect tribute. Our thoughts are with you and the family. ❤️
I was cory’s neighbor I am so sorry to hear of his illness and passing.
This right here is the best! Cory was a good guy. Thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends
I’m both laughing and crying at this amazing obituary. Thinking of you and your family, Kim.
My condolences to the family.
Wow Kim, Spenser and Carter! You guys did your husband and dad proud. That was the most perfect tribute to an awesome man. Just remember he was awesome because of you guys too. I can’t imagine what you’re going through but just know so many people love you and are praying for you even if we don’t know you that well.
So sorry for your loss Kim and family
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Kim. What a great tribute to Cory! God bless you all.
What an amazing true to Cory obituary! I am so incredible sorry to Kim, Spenser and Carter. He was one of a kind. I am truly grateful for the time I had to get to spend with Cory at darts once a week. This is a huge loss for all of us who knew Cory. God bless.
What I remember most about Cory was his smile and twinkling eyes. He was always friendly even the day I met him when he lived on Larkwood I was admiring his Halloween decorations. My kids had to attend his haunted houses every year on both streets!! And I’ll always remember him driving the “Redrum” hearse and his commitment to jogging. He made me feel like such the slug that I am. Godspeed Cory. Prayers to you Kim Spenser and Carter.
am. Godspeed Cory. Prayers to you Kim , Spenser and Carter
Please disregard that last duplicate sentence lol. I can’t do this tech stuff
Kim, So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to all who knew him. He was an amazing guy. I personally will never forget him. Hopefully time will heal the pain. Prayers to all that need help with his void. God bless.
Jim and I never missed an opportunity to enjoy Halloween at the Doty house. Corey forever set the bar! And now I’ll even smile and think of him watching Die Hard. The Doty family is in our hearts.
An amazing way to honor Cory. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sweet family.
Nailed it!!! Best ever!
That was great. I am glad that I got to know him. May he forever haunt our hearts. Our thought and prayers are with the family.
I don’t know want to say…. Cory was one of my teachers when I was in Athena high school, on the first day of his class he talk about his family and also his Halloween story, sometimes he talk about his haunted house. Sometimes I stop by him in the hallways. To his family I want to say thank you without Cory, I could it not taken one of his classing, but he was a great teacher. Next year for Halloween, I want to remember him.
Cory was one of my favorite teachers of all time. Unlike any other classes i was always excited to have him in the morning. He knew how to make us all laugh. He would always show us his halloween decorations and he tought a lot us very important life lessons. Prays go out to the family. You were a big part of so many lives. You will be truly missed mr.doty.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Kim, Spenser and Carter. What an amazing husband and father Cory was. May God bless you all.
I remember you, Kim. I remember coming to your office, sitting down and waiting for you to stop crying, (which didn’t end) as you told your husband, Cory about what was happening to me and what you were “assigned to do to me”. I remember thinking, “She is a good person inside; She just isn’t strong enough to stand up to the administration as she is one of them, and this is her tenure year”. I remember thinking, “At least she has someone with whom to share her conflict.” Whatever Cory Doty said, it didn’t make you laugh. It appeared that he was listening though.
I am so very sorry that this man, whom you loved and I would imagine loved you, will not be there in person to listen or make you laugh. Not in person, but most likely in spirit.
My heart goes out to you. I send my most sincere condolences.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Kim, Spenser, and Carter. Cory was a great man, so creative and humorous. God bless all of you and your extended family members.
Sue and Doug Sogard
My condolences to the family. That’s the best ivy ever read. I only knew Cory in school for a little bit. He was always funny.
DOTY. A true legend. One of the best teachers I ever had. Steered me toward engineering, but I always knew I was meant to be a teacher and your class was so great it was the final nail in the coffin. Best decision I ever made. Cheers brother. R.I.P.
Sending you love and hugs Kim! What an amazing tribute to who Cory was and what he meant to others. I wish I had known him personally, but after reading this, I feel like I did! I’m thinking of you and your family. My deepest sympathies to you all!
Who could not love Cory Doty! Sorry Kim for your loss. Great words and so true ! I left Fulton and lost touch but I will never forget the laughs when he was around.
The most genuine person I have ever known. He has left a huge void that will never be filled.
I laughed until I cried reading about Cory! It’s obvious that everyone fortunate enough to have known him, for a lifetime or a mere moment, is better because of the exchange. My sincere, heartfelt sympathy to his entire family and all of his friends. Cheers Cory! To your legacy and your life well-lived!
Kim, that was definitely the best obituary I have or ever will read. It made smile and laugh. You two were the perfect couple. I am deeply saddened by the world’s great loss of Cory. My heart breaks for you, Spenser, Carter, the rest of the family. I love you. Only wish I could be there to help out and give you a huge hug.
What a beautiful tribute to a life well lived. My heart goes out to you all during this very difficult time.
An awesome obit for an awesome guy! It was a great honor to know him…he made any and all situations better just by being him! He made adults want to be his students…he was a great asset to everybody! Love, hugs, kisses and prayers to his family!!! xoxoxoxo
A wonderful tribute to Cory. The world is just a little less bright. My thoughts and prayers to Kim, Spenser, and Carter.
Kim and family,
Such a heart-felt tribute to your husband! I am so sorry for your loss and I will be praying for you and your sons.
Its been a decade since I had Mr. Doty as a teacher but I’ll always remember the joy he had for life. He seemed to live with so much passion and a spirit of spreading happiness, I’d be willing to bet he lived a life fuller than most that are given more time. My thoughts are out to his family and friends.
Kim, this was incredibly well written and definitely captures who your husband was in all his glory! I am very sorry for your loss. When the time is right, that celebration of life will be exactly that! Tons of love to you and your boys.
Such an awesome tribute!!! I have such fond memories of Cory & Kevin back in high school. My deepest condolences to the whole family. Fly high my friend, until we meet again.
Extending my deepest sympathies to all or Cory’s family and friends. My thoughts and prayers reach out to you all.
I shared an office and classroom with Cory for part of a year. I learned a lot from him and we laughed a lot . I have always valued his friendship. Great man. Great teacher!
I’m lost for words! You will be missed you have definitely made an impact on so many! My thoughts and prayers to your friends and family! See you in heaven my friend!!❤ Valerie