In his prime, Dorsey of Boonton Township was one of Morris County’s most influential political  leaders. He served in both the state Assembly and Senate in addition to representing a number of municipalities as township attorney, including Hanover, Mount Olive and Parsippany.

Dorsey’s elected career ended in the fall of 1993 when he lost his Senate seat to Democrat Gordon MacInnes. That still must rank as one of the biggest political upsets in county history.

The Morris Country Republican Committee released a statement upon Dorsey’s death.

“Sen. Dorsey was a dedicated public servant who loved his state and county and put his strong imprint on state government during his 18 years in the Legislature, serving in the State Assembly from 1976 to 1978 and in the state Senate from 1978 to 1994.

“He also provided legal services to numerous Morris County municipalities, with especially long service to Hanover and Mount Olive townships, and government agencies, including the Morris County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund.”

A wake for the former senator is scheduled for Friday from 2 to 4 p.m and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Dangler, Lewis & Carey Funeral Home in Boonton.

A service is set for Saturday at St, John’s Church, Boonton at 11 a.m.