John F. Dougherty, or “Doc,” of Elverson, PA, formerly of Westchester, PA, died on July 1st, 2024 at the age of 100. Doc often proclaimed it was a lifelong stroke of luck that gave him his meaningful and long life surrounded by people who loved him. But those who knew him watched him create this “luck” for himself, a product of his dedication to helping others, years of hard work, and unconditional love for his family, particularly his late wife of fifty seven years, Dorothy Yarnall Dougherty.
Doc was born May 2, 1924 to Harry J. Dougherty Sr. and Eva Scholes Dougherty in Chester, PA. John was preceded in death by two sisters, Eva Dougherty Krok and Florence Dougherty Watts as well as three brothers, Harry J. Dougherty Jr., Sidney W. Dougherty, and James T. Dougherty. John and his brothers served in the military during World War II. John served in the India, China, Burma theater of the war from July 1943, returning home through San Francisco in the spring of 1946. Sidney was in the Army and was killed in action on January 20, 1945 in the Battle of Luzon. His mom and dad were proud Gold Star parents. Living through the Great Depression and a World War instilled in Doc an unwavering sense of patriotism, believing that our country is at its strongest when we stand together as one, in support of our communities, freedoms, and democracy.
His fifty seven year marriage to Dottie, and the family they raised together, were undoubtedly his most proud achievements. He is survived by his children, son, Dr. Raymond Dougherty and his wife Lisa Turicik Dougherty, and daughter, Leslie Dougherty Solomon and her husband, Carl Solomon. Doc was also the beloved “Pop Pop” for four grandsons, Jon Dougherty (his wife Andrea Dougherty), Kevin Dougherty, Josh Solomon (his wife Marlee Hernandez), and Jason Dougherty as well as granddaughter, Sydney Solomon. The last few years brought Doc two great grandchildren, Samuel and Theo Dougherty. When asked who their most prominent role models are, all of the grandchildren have Pop Pop at the top of their list.
Doc was a graduate of Ridley High School (‘43) and Millersville State Teachers College (‘51). A committed public school educator, he spent most of his teaching career at Chichester High School. While at Chi, he served as a history teacher, a varsity basketball and baseball coach, and finally, 15 years as the school’s athletic director. Many years were spent going out of his way to make the Chichester school and athletic program central pillars of the community for people from all backgrounds. More than forty years after his retirement, Doc still maintained strong relationships with many former colleagues and students.
In retirement, Doc devoted much of his time to family, antiquing, gardening, and volunteering. Doc was a proud member of many organizations. He was a member of the American Legion Post 134 and life member of the National Educators Association. He was a charter member of the World War II memorial and museum as well as Flight 93. He was a part of the Ridley Old Timers and the Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame. The sheer number of hours he contributed and annual donations he made were evidence enough that the man truly put his “money where his mouth was” when it came to giving back.
In his many years of life, Doc made it a priority to be a rock of stability for his family, an active leader in his community, and a proud, patriotic American. His life should be a lesson to us all in the power of investing in people and staying active late into life. At his 90th birthday, he was still throwing the football with a darn near perfect spiral. “You have to keep moving,” he’d say. And that is what we will do. The countless lives he touched in his one hundred years of life will mourn his passing immensely, knowing full well that we’ve lost one of the best of us and one of the last of the greatest generation.
A celebration of life will be held later this year on a date to be determined.
Arrangements by The Labs Funeral Home, Inc. of Honey Brook, Pa.
For additional information and online condolences, please visit www.thelabsfh.com