John Joseph Dougherty, Jr. departed this life on Friday, May 6, 2016 surrounded by his family.
John was born in Philadelphia, PA., the oldest child of the late Evelyn Curtin and John J. Dougherty, Sr. John, Jr. was a long time resident of Wilmington, DE and a member of Holy Rosary Parish for over 60 years.
John was graduate of St. Joseph's Prep and attended Villanova University until he was called into active service at the outbreak of WWII. As a naval aviator he was part of the VP-43 squadron. Later he served as a flight instructor at Jacksonville Beach, FL. After leaving the navy John was a pilot before making his career in the automobile business. After his retirement John resumed his studies at Villanova and received his Bachelor's Degree 47 years after he began at Villanova.
The Dougherty Family would like to express their gratitude to the employees of Sunrise Senior Living and to the staff of Compassionate Care Hospice for the love and care they gave their father.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary, and his great-granddaughter, Shae Marie Tomlin and six of his seven siblings. He is survived by his children, Moira Dougherty (Richard Norman), John J. Dougherty, III (Ute), Holly Knickerbocker (Jeff), Evelyn Dougherty, James M. Dougherty (Deb Glatts); his brother, Rev. Edward Dougherty, S.J.: his grandchildren Julian Dougherty, Jennifer Cox (Frederick), Nici Ten Hove (Daniel John), Christopher Tomlin (Jenny), Lauren Knickerbocker (Daniel Relyea), Timothy J. Norman, Daniel Knickerbocker (Christina), Matthew Dougherty; and by his great-grandchildren Jacob, Van, Elle, Owen, Norah, Nolan, Evan and Morgan. |