Dorothy Elizabeth James Minervini, 87, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026, surrounded by love.

Born on February 15, 1939, in Cranford, New Jersey, Dorothy was the daughter of Harry C. James and Dorothy Gundersen James. She grew up in Graham, North Carolina, the oldest daughter in a family of eight brothers and sisters.

In 1957, Dorothy graduated from Graham High School and went to work for Western Electric. Then, on August 9, 1958, she married the love of her life, Leo Minervini Jr., in Graham, North Carolina.

Dorothy followed Leo around the world as his career grew, from city to city across the United States and even to Japan. She enjoyed crafting, reading, and serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Together, she and Leo raised six children, which she considered this her greatest achievement.

Later in life, after her children were grown, Dorothy discovered a deep joy in the New Bern Civic Theatre in New Bern, North Carolina, where she served as Stage Manager. She was also very active in the Children's Summer Theatre.

Dorothy is survived by her beloved children: Leo (Valerie) Minervini III, Michael (Lisa) Minervini, Victoria Minervini, Gilda (Eric) Hughes, Dorothy Minervini, and Joseph (Tiffany) Minervini; 29 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.

She is also survived by her siblings: William (Lo) James, Anne Dinkler, Lyn Ertle, and Eleanor (Jack) Hetzel.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leo Minervini Jr.; her parents, Harry and Dorothy James; her brothers, Harry, Thomas and Richard; and her grandson, Anthony.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to the New Bern Civic Theatre — a place that brought Dorothy great joy and where her spirit of quiet, joyful service lives on.

Viewing Sunday, October 11, 2026, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Life Celebration Center of Punta Gorda, 1515 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.

Funeral Mass Monday, October 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919.  A gathering of family and friends will follow at the home of Joe and Tiffany Minervini located at 1111 NW 28th Place, Cape Coral, FL 33993.

May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.