Obituary of Diane M. Lorinz

Diane Marie (Diana, Dolly) Lorinz, 80 of Baldwin NY, passed away peacefully on May 3 rd , 2025
surrounded by her loving family.
She was born at Flower Fifth Avenue Hospital in Manhattan to Mary (nee Hudak) and Theodore
Gegelys on May 31 st 1944. She grew up in Astoria NY with her two brothers, Anthony and Ted,
as well as her life time best friend, Grace Kirtley. While attending Long Island City High School
she met John Lorinz, soon a unique and caring relationship formed. They were married and had
three children James, Mary, and Teresa.
Dolly worked for several firms during her life, including American Finance, Tony Lambert
Fashion Design, Autosplice and Murko. She was a no nonsense, dedicated and hard-working
woman, all the while she exceled at being a caring, attentive, and selfless mother.
As another chapter of Dolly’s life began, she met Richard Peters. They developed a special
relationship filled with fun, laughs, love and witty banter. They shared a wonderful life for many
years and were married in 2019.
Dolly was a passionate pet lover. Her home was never without the joy of a beloved cat or dog.
She was able to connect with animals in a way like no other, which spoke to her kind and loving
nature. Each and every animal Dolly ever cared for loved her back tenfold. Some (but certainly
not all) of these special creatures….Bootsie, King, Whitey, Tomcat, Melon, Ginger, Jefferson,
Bing, Lizzie, Rusty, Stella, Scarlett and Ozzie.
In addition to her love for animals, she also appreciated classic films. This is evidenced by the
yearly screenings of “It’s A Wonderful Life” which was required viewing for the children starting
at a young age. Because of her, the kids were also introduced to “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad,
World”, “Miracle on 34th Street”, “Rebel Without a Cause”, “Them”, “The Wizard of Oz”, “Rear
Window”, “Best Years of Our Lives”, “The Incredible Mr. Limpet”, “The Tingler”, and many more
eclectic stories.
Such a diverse woman, perfect combination of compassion, intelligence, and cutting dry wit.
Her amazing sense of humor set her apart from the rest, the laughs shared with Dolly were not
soon forgotten. Just ask one of us about the “apron gag” …
She loved to travel and see new things. The beach was a special place for her, she loved to
beachcomb and was always on the lookout for that perfect piece of beach glass. Dolly had a
beautiful garden that she loved to care for, her hydrangeas were absolutely stunning. Every
year, the new flower additions she chose made it feel like a magical place. The autumn was also
a special time for her, the changing of the leaves, the mums, the pumpkins..all made her so
happy. Everyone always knew what holiday it was the second you walked into her home and
saw the beautiful decorations…shamrocks, bunnies, Uncle Sam hats, skeletons, turkeys, hearts,
and the always well-coordinated Christmas tree.

Dolly very often put the ones she loved ahead of herself; she had a special way of keeping her
family together. Spending time with her family was one of her greatest joys. An extraordinary
woman, she will be terribly mourned and missed by all.

Mom only so big
With a soft voice
Quietly bigger than life
Gently binding us together
Guiding by listening
Unselfishly giving
For each of us
As a Family

Preceding Dolly in transition are mother Mary Gegelys, father Theodore Gegelys, and brother
Anthony (Butch) Gegelys.
Remaining to cherish Dolly’s memory are husband Richard Peters, son James Lorinz, daughter
Mary Zalud and fiancé Patrick Cannon, daughter Teresa Lorinz and wife Cindy Corbo,
granddaughter Mary Kate Buhler and her husband Carl Buhler, granddaughter Sophia Tervil and
her husband Greg Tervil, grandson Connor Zalud, grandson Kyle Zalud, two great
granddaughters Lina and Clara Buhler.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Last Hope Animal Rescue.

https://lasthopeanimalrescue.org/make-a-memorialhonorarium-donation/