John J. Dougherty

John Joseph Dougherty, “Doc”, of West Chester, returned to the Lord on May 20, 2020 after a blessed life of 85 years.

Born to Patrick and Mary Anne Dougherty, from Malin Head, Ireland, John spent his earliest years in Delaware County and graduated from St. James Catholic High School, Class of 1952. He attended St. Francis College, Loretto, PA on a football scholarship and entered the Navy upon graduation. John served on the USS Cavalier, West Pacific through 1960. He then enjoyed a successful career with Allstate Insurance until he retired in 2004.

John relished sailing on the Chesapeake and in the Caribbean with family. His sailboat, “Star of the Sea”, remains in Still Pond, MD for his children and grandchildren to enjoy. For many years, he marked the Fall with trips to New England, eating lobster, and remembering his officer training days in Newport. An avid people watcher, John enjoyed observing visitors to the beach in Ocean City, MD. He was an ardent Eagles and Villanova Men’s Basketball fan. John’s greatest happiness was derived from time spent with his grandchildren. He enthusiastically attended their sporting events, musical performances and celebrated their accomplishments.

John acknowledged his family as his greatest blessing. His love affair with Dorothy A. Scott began at age 16. He shared 63 years of marriage with “Dotty Ann” and would affectionally refer to her as “my dear wife”. Together, they added precious branches to their family tree: David (Tracy) Dougherty of Royersford, Mary (Dale) Hunt of West Chester, Patricia (Dan) Lista of Harleysville, Karen (Bill) Schmitt of Downingtown. John was the beloved Gran Doc to Kara (Kyle), Justin, Brandon, Kelsey, Ryan, John Patrick, Matthew and Meghan. He leaves behind treasured nieces, nephews and cousins in the USA and Ireland.

In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his son, David; his sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Hugh McFadden; in-laws Lawrence, Edna, Nancy and Larry Scott and his dearest “Aunt Sally”.

John gifted his family and friends with the values of kindness, generosity, faith and the enjoyment of storytelling.

Funeral and burial arrangements will be private. Memorial donations can be made to St. James Catholic High School Alumni Association, 1499 East 9th Street, Eddystone, PA 19022-1431.

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