Richard Doherty

Richard S. Doherty VIRGINIA BEACH - Retired Lt. Cmdr. Richard Spangler Doherty, 78, passed away May 22, 2010. He was predeceased by his parents, Milton C. Doherty and Ethel Spangler Doherty; and his brother, Milton C. Doherty Jr. Born in Drexel Hill, Pa., he graduated from Friends Central School in Philadelphia and Earlham College in Richmond, Ind. He was an Episcopalian. Richard spent most of his naval career in Virginia Beach. He received his Naval aviator wings in Pensacola, Fla., in 1955. This proud fighter pilot served aboard many carriers from Norfolk including USS Independence, Saratoga and the Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was awarded several prestigious medals including the National Defense Service Medal, five Air Medals, Gallentry Cross Ribbon Bar, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Vietnam). The fighter squadrons he served on included VF 43, VF 11, VF 32, VF 174, Training Squadron VT 23, Tacron 22, and his final tour of duty with the Nuclear Weapons Training and Inspection Group. Richard retired as lieutenant commander from the Navy after 22 years of dedicated service, and was employed with QED Systems for 12 years after his retirement from the U.S. Navy. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary Ellen Doherty; two sons, Christopher Spangler Doherty and R. Scott Doherty; daughter-in- law, Lilly Beth Doherty; a grandson, R. Scott Doherty Jr.; and his beloved pet, Smokey. The family wishes to offer special thanks to Sentara Hospice, Virginia Oncology and Radiation Oncology for their loving care during Richard's long courageous battle with cancer. Richard will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Because of his love for animals, donations may be made to the Norfolk or Virginia Beach SPCA in lieu of flowers. Condolences may be offered to the family at www. kellumfuneralhome.com.