Dorothy Brittain

Dorothy Brittain

November 29, 1931 – September 13, 2023

Dorothy (Dot) Brittain (nee: O’Brien), 91, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2023.

Dorothy was born on November 29, 1931 in Midland Beach to Lawrence and Edith O’Brien. She graduated New Dorp High School, class of 1949 and was a life-long Staten Islander.

Dot married Philip Brittain on March 15, 1953 in Our Lady Queen of Peace and they remained happily married for 70 years.  Dot and Phil could always be found walking hand-in-hand and often exclaimed how lucky they were to have found each other.  “I love you, but more importantly, I like you” was often said between these best friends. 

Dorothy worked at Deloitte Haskins until marriage swept her away for a brief stint at Camp Gordon, GA where Phil served in the U.S. Army.  Upon returning to Staten Island, Dorothy had the most important (and most difficult) job as a homemaker and was busy raising children, working with Our Lady Star of the Sea church, and actively involved in the community.

Dot and Phil first lived in Grant City and then spent the last 60 years in Huguenot with a yard that always had a cool breeze rustling through the trees.  On weekends, Dot and Phil could be found on their sailboat, walking through Wolfe’s Pond Park, or taking day trips to Manhattan.  With their love for the outdoors, Dot and Phil spent time with family and friends camping up and down the east coast.  In the retired years, their travels became more adventurous and in all the pictures, Dot and Phil are still holding hands.  When not out exploring or visiting family, Dot could be found in the aforementioned yard, under a tree, with a good book, and a glass of wine.

Dorothy is survived by her loving husband, Philip; children, Katherine Walsh, Phil Brittain Jr., Chris Brittain, Laura Patrina, David Brittain; grandchildren, Logan Walsh, Meri Philbin, Donnie Radigan, Christopher Brittain, Codyann Patrina, Tara Patrina-Nicorici, Jolene Patrina, Joseph Patrina; great-grandchildren, Aiden, Ryan, Aubrey, Donnie, Angela; and her brother Larry O’Brien; she was predeceased by her sister, Barbara Carlsen.

At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity in Dorothy’s name or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org.