Brian H. Dorrell
November 19, 1968 - October 19, 2025
Brian H. Dorrell, age 56, of Bear, DE, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
Born in Wilmington, DE, on November 19, 1968, he was a son of Janice A. (Willey) Dorrell and the late Histman T. Dorrell. Brian made his career as a sergeant at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution for 12 years. He had previously worked as a carpenter and automotive technician.
Brian had a passion for music and could often be found singing and playing guitar. He enjoyed giving back to his community as a member of Jackson Lodge No. 19 A.F. & A. M. Brian could often be found practicing Jiu Jitsu or going for a drive on his motorcycle. He will be remembered for his compassion, kindness, and unwavering willingness to help others. Brian had a gift for lending a hand and always seeing things through, never hesitating to offer support where it was needed most. His generous spirit touched many lives, and his warm heart for animals reflected the gentleness of his soul. Brian found great joy in caring for his pets and sharing his love with those around him. He found a new passion with his wife, Jennifer for rock and mineral collecting also known as “rock hounding”.
In addition to his father, Brian was preceded in death by his brother, Keith Dorrell. He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Jennifer L. (Pokorny) Dorrell; mother, Janice A. Willey-Dorrell; sister, Michelle Willoughby (Robert, Jr.); and numerous extended family members and friends.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 11 am. Inurnment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brian’s memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online by clicking here; or to an animal rescue charity of the donor’s choice.
Sue Connor
Jenny, so sorry for your lost n that I never got a chance to meet him. Was glad you found a good man to share your life together. I pray for Comfort of Jesus as he can only do. I send my Love to you and to the rest of the family. Aunt Sue
Pamela Kelly
You’re husband sounds wonderful Jennifer!
I wished I could have met him. I’ll be praying for you and yours in this hard time.
Your friend,
Pamela Kelly
Brenda Mccleary
Aunt Janice I am sorry to hear the passing of Brian my sincere condolences for family !!!! Love Brenda (Dorrell )Mccleary
Sherry Glenn
Jennifer, I am heartbroken to learn of your husband’s passing. I can’t imagine how hard this is for you. Reach out if you need anything at all.
Jennifer Dorrell
You were my everything. I’ll always love and stand by you like I did here on this earth and in the ever after.
Christine (Dorrell) Swoboda
Even though our families drifted apart not knowing where you were I remember you as a child you was a little wild but compassionate you was a wonderful person and I’m sure you’ll be missed by many your cousin Christine Dorrell swoboda
Becky mondzelewski
So sorry for your loss if I can help you in anyway please feel free to let me know-will be praying for your comfort
John Dorrell
I’m sorry to hear of my cousin Brian’s passing
I will be praying for the family. RIP Brian.
Julie Wilhelm (Dorrell)
Brian, I wish I had known we were cousins prior to meeting at your academy graduation. Eric and I are saddened to hear of your passing. You were a wonderful person with a generous heart. Our condolences go out to Jennifer and your loved ones. Rest in peace. Your cousin, Julie.
Brian Thompson Sr.
Sgt. Dorrell, it was an honor working with you. As your Lieutenant, I couldn’t have asked for a better Leadworker. We had some good talks while walking the halls of HRY. You will be missed. To the Dorrell family, I’m deeply sorry for your loss and send my prayers.
Lt. Stanford
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Sgt. Darrell. He was my left hand when we worked together — dependable, hardworking, and always willing to lend a hand. His leadership and kindness left a lasting mark on everyone around him. Sgt. Darrell will truly be missed and never forgotten.
Patrick Smith
Goodbye my friend, you left us too soon, your absence will be felt by all who knew you. I hope you find peace.
Joe McNamara
My condolences to you and Brian’s family. It really saddens my heart to hear of your loss. Brian sounds like the type of friend that anyone would have loved to know. Sending prayers up. Myself and your geology club family are here for your support.
James Jones
Brian: you will always be my friend and brother. Thru work and music, we always talked.
Jenny: so sorry for your loss. Wish I could have met u sooner.
Barbara Brunnet
Jennifer
Sorry to learn of your loss. May you find strength in the coming days.
Veronica Lee
Jennifer, you and Brian have always been the nicest neighbors a neighbor could ask for for just about 30 years. He loved tending to the lawn and worked endlessly on it. Kept the place impeccable. I will miss seeing my neighbor, always working on the lawn, waving and a pleasant smile. He will be missed. My sincerest condolences. The Lee Family.
Warden Philip Parker
I would like to extend my condolences to the family on behalf of the staff at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution. Brian was a dedicated Correctional Sergeant who led by example and was well respected by the staff. He will be greatly missed. God Bless
Morgan Robertson
I’m sorry for your loss. I do remember when I saw Dorrell, he always seemed to have a way of uplifting any Staff member whether they were having a bad day or just needed someone to talk to. He will be truly missed and remembered. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, co-workers, and anyone that knew him.
Louis
To the Dorrell Family,
My condolences on your loss. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Brian at Gander Hill. He was very funny and will be missed. Your family will be in my prayers.
Maryetta Freeman
Jen, sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. Call me if you need anything.
Deb and Steve Lowry
Jen, we are so sorry for the loss of Brian. We had many great conversations over the fence and he was there to lend a hand with car issues several times. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. The Lowrys
JOHN MOORE
Life is a passing adventure, sometimes we forget what is really important in our day to day life. A smile, a simple gesture, sometimes just a glance will help others when they are having a rough day. Sgt. Dorrell had a way of helping others, and did just that when he could. Brian, I hope you can rest now, and let the good shine in. You will be missed by many.
C/O James Mitchell II
My sincere condolences to the Dorrell family!! Sarge was a good man, funny, very helpful when at work. He was grooming me to be a lead worker with his knowledge of policy and procedures. May the Lord bless his soul. He’s got a good one up there.
mambo
C/O Mambo sending love and peace to the family of Sgt. Dorrell, I’m sorry for your lost. Sgt. Dorrell was my lead worker at HRYCI East wing. He was one of the best lead worker, have ever had, his sudden passway is so heartbroken. We missed you sgt. Dorrell, we greatly appreciate the help you gave us during worktime. He was a great lead worker, always willing to help new officers in difficult moments and sometimes talked about old DOC policies and the new normal. RIP Sgt, Dorrell.
Michael Costello
My deepest condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends at this tragic time. Keep him in your heart and he is never truly gone.
Joyce S.
So, sadden to hear this news. I’ve had the pleasure to work with Brian for many years.
My deepest condolences to the Dorrell Family.
May God give you Strength, Peace and Comfort at this difficult time. Prayers are up!
Sgt. Remigius H Demby
Rest in peace Sergeant. You will be greatly missed!
Sgt. Elliot Rosario
I would like to extend my condolences to the Dorrell family, my prayers will always be with you may our creator and high architect grant you peace and comfort, god bless the Dorrell family.
Paul Russell
To the Dorrell family; Although I never met Brian, I was very familiar with his father “Reds”. I hope that you all can worship Brian’s life and be at peace as he returns to his maker. If Brian was anything like his father, he is sitting in a special place with his Dad, back together again.
Prayers and best wishes!
Toussaint,T
Words Can’t Explain How I Feel. Dorrell kept me together, he believed in me, he pushed me to always do and be better. Anything I needed I know I can always count on him. He always said Toussaint relax it’s going to be ok. Dorrell I’m going to miss you so much. One Team One Family. Praying For The Family.