Sarah Blaisdell Dorn
Sarah Blaisdell Dorn | |
|---|---|
| Born | Sarah Barcroft Blaisdell 19 August 1927 |
| Died | 11 January 2016 (aged 88) |
| Other names | Sarah B. Dorn |
| Education | Bradford High School |
| Alma mater | Katharine Gibbs Business Academy |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1978–2016 |
| Spouse |
Richard B. Dorn
(m. 1981; death 2016) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent | George Grant Blaisdell (father) |
| Relatives | Harriett Blaisdell (sister) Brett Madden (granddaughter) |
Sarah Blaisdell Dorn (August 19, 1927 – January 11, 2016) was an American heiress, businesswoman and philanthropist from Bradford, Pennsylvania.[1] She was a long-time co-owner, vice president, and treasurer of the Zippo Manufacturing Company, the company known globally for producing the Zippo lighter.[1]
Early life and education
Sarah Blaisdell was born in Bradford, Pennsylvania, to George Grant Blaisdell, the founder of the Zippo Manufacturing Company, and Miriam Barcroft Blaisdell.[1]
She completed her secondary education locally, graduating from Bradford High School in 1945.[1] She then pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Connecticut College.[1] Furthering her business acumen, she graduated from the Katharine Gibbs Business Academy in New York City.[1]
Career
After her father's death in 1978, Sarah Dorn and her sister, Harriett B. Wick, inherited Zippo Manufacturing.[1] She assumed leadership roles within the company, including serving as Vice President and Treasurer.[1] She remained actively involved in the company's operations and strategic direction for many years.[1] Her son, George B. Duke, eventually succeeded her as the sole family owner and chairman of the board.[1][2]
Philanthropy and community involvement
Dorn was highly regarded for her extensive philanthropic work, particularly in the Bradford region.[1] Her charitable efforts, often conducted through the Blaisdell Foundation, focused heavily on education, healthcare, and local community development.[1]
She along with her younger sister Harriett, she established the Miriam Barcroft Blaisdell Scholarship, which has provided financial assistance to thousands of students.[1] For their significant contributions, the university awarded both sisters the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1993, the university's highest honor.[3]
She established the Bradford Hospital Foundation and Dorn was a significant benefactor to the local hospital.[4][1] The foundation established the annual "SARAH Award" in her honor to recognize outstanding community service.[1] She supported the McKean County SPCA and quietly helped high school classmates who couldn't afford yearbooks as a girl.[1]
Personal life
Sarah Blaisdell Dorn was married to Richard B. Dorn and had two sons, George B. Duke and Paul C. Duke III.[5] Brett Madden an actress and voice actress is her granddaughter.[6][7]
Death
She died at her home in Bradford, Pennsylvania, on January 11, 2016, at the age of 88.[1]
Honours
In 2010, the university named a new residence hall, the Sarah B. Dorn House (Dorn House), in her honor.[8] The three-story building houses up to 100 students in suite-style apartments. A formal dedication ceremony was held on September 10, 2010.[1]
The Blaisdell family was inducted into the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning Society in 2005.[9] The Harriett B. Wick Chapel, named for her sister, features the Sarah B. Dorn Organ.[10]
Awards and recognition
| Year | Award | Category | Result | Title | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Pitt-Bradford | Presidential Medal of Freedom | Won | Philanthropy | [3] |
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "Sarah Blaisdell Dorn". Zippo. November 30, 2025.
- ^ "How Zippo's Founding Family Kept The Flame Alive". Forbes. May 22, 2025.
- ^ a b "Key Founders Got Campus Up And Running". University of Pitt-Bradford. March 8, 2025.
- ^ "Local philanthropist Sarah Dorn, daughter of Zippo founder, dies". Olean Times Herald. June 2, 2025.
- ^ "Sarah Dorn, local philanthropist, daughter of Zippo founder, dies". The Bradford Era. January 12, 2016.
- ^ "Brett B. Kelly". Hollenbeck-Cahill. October 11, 2025.
- ^ "Sarah Blaisdell Dorn | Obituary". Hollenbeck Cahill. February 20, 2025.
- ^ "Sarah Duke embraces family tradition of supporting campus". University of Pittsburgh. September 23, 2022.
- ^ "Residence Hall named after philanthropist Sarah B. Dorn". The Bradford Era. June 23, 2025.
- ^ "Pitt-Bradford will name its new residence hall in honor of Bradford philanthropist Sarah B. Dorn, co-owner of Zippo Manufacturing Co". University of Pittsburgh. August 4, 2025.