Dorothy C. Naumann

Dorothy Loretta (Cortright) Naumann, 97, formerly of Audrey Drive, North Syracuse, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the Eastern Star Home in Oriskany. Born in Oswego, NY, the eldest of the ten children of the late Raymond and Dorothy (Finch) Cortright, she was also predeceased by her daughter, Karen Wright; grandsons, Scott Wright and Nicholas Naumann; her siblings, Donald, Raymond, Walter, Preston, Paul, and Lucille; and her husband of 73 years, Harold Peter Naumann, Jr. After graduating from Nottingham High School, Dorothy worked for Travelers Insurance Company, where she met her husband. After marriage, she remained at home to raise four children. Later, for about 20 years, she was a Weight Watchers Counselor where she loved the people in her classes. She closed each class with, “Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me, hold my hand, and be my friend.” Dorothy loved to read, to knit and crochet. She enjoyed her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and all children. She was a kind, understanding, and patient woman who could have a conversation with anyone, any time, and anywhere. She will be sorely missed by her family and all who knew her. Surviving are her siblings, Nancy, Jane (Tony), and Richard (Sue); children, Harold Bruce (Claudia Wickwire) Naumann, Susan E. (Joseph) Valentino, and Donald R. (Sharon) Naumann; grandchildren, Eric (Tracey) Naumann, Wen (Lyndsay) Matthews Naumann, Joseph Valentino, III, Vincent (Erica) Valentino, Benjamin (Kaitlin) Naumann, Jacob (Alaina) Naumann, and Christian (Joanne) Naumann; 19 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A sincere thank you is extended to the OES Home staff for their care and compassion, and for the love they shared with Dorothy. The family will greet friends and family from 10 am to 12 noon prior to services on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Fergerson Funeral Home, 215 South Main Street, North Syracuse. Burial will be in North Syracuse Cemetery. Donations may be made, in lieu of flowers to the Foundation for Upstate, Golisano Children’s Hospital, 750 East Adams Street, CAB 326, Syracuse, New York 13210-9943.

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Dorothy C. Naumann

May 11, 2026