David Doty

1944 - 2023

A true gentleman, David Doty, passed away on Oct. 8, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

He was born in Detroit, Mich., on Oct. 31, 1944.

He was the son of Kathryn Starkweather Doty and Edward Doty, and brother of the late Lawrence Doty. David was proud of his ancestry as a descendant of Edward Doty who arrived in Plymouth, Mass. (1620), from England on the Mayflower.

Surviving are his wife, Susan; sisters-in-law, Joan Doty (Lawrence Doty) and Barbara Gilotti (Jack Exter); and his children, their spouses and his nine grandchildren: Jessica Figliolini (husband, Fabrice Figliolini and their children, Isabelle and Emilia), of Newtown Square, Pa.; Lindsay Rysz (husband, Ken Rysz), of Forty Fort, Pa.; Elizabeth Catanzariti (husband, Mark Catanzariti and their children, Abby and Lilly), of West Wyoming, Pa.; Brendan Doty (major, Air National Guard) (wife, Kera Doty and their children, Alida, Gwendolyn and Phoebe), of Forty Fort, Pa.; Willow Rohlfing (husband, Harry Rohlfing and their children, Adalene and Dodge), of Philadelphia, Pa.

David graduated from Glen Bard West High School in Glen Ellyn, Ill. He was a graduate of Grinnell College, Iowa (B.A., 1966) and the University of Illinois (M.A., 1969 and Ph.D., 1972 in clinical psychology).

David had a long and fulfilling career dedicated to improving the lives and welfare of children and teens: director of compliance and organizational improvement, Friendship House Children's Center (2002-2010); president, Susquehanna PathFinders Inc. (1997-2002); partner/chief operating officer, CAREeval Collaborative (1998-2001); president, Susquehanna Human Service Associates (1995-1999); director of professional standards, KidsPeace National Centers Inc. (1992-1996); director of quality improvement, residential services, Friendship House Children's Center (1987-1992); director, Bureau of Children & Youth Services and project director, residential treatment facility project, New York State Office of Mental Health in Albany, New York (1980-1986); director, off-grounds residences at St. Catherine's Center for Children in Albany, N.Y. (1977-1980); and assistant professor, clinical psychology training Program, psychology department, at the State University of New York in Albany, N.Y. (1973-1978).

In addition to a successful and fulfilling career, David was passionate about volunteering his time for various organizations. Among others, he served as board president for Habitat for Humanity and was a longtime member of the steering committee at the Peace & Justice Center of Wilkes-Barre.

David also authored numerous publications throughout his life. His novel awaits publication!

One of David's favorite pastimes was spending time with his wife Susan and their friends, in-person and on Zoom, chatting and laughing about life. He loved being surrounded by his nine beloved grandchildren and watching them develop into delightful young people.

David was an avid reader, writer, gardener and wood-turner. A native of the Chicago area, David was a devoted Chicago Cubs baseball fan since his childhood. In 2016, one of the highlights of his life was the Cubs (finally) winning the World Series.

David was an inspiring example of kindness, love and positivity to all who knew him. The loving and supportive visits, video messages, audio recordings, phone calls and well-wishes from afar brought David and his family much comfort and peace in recent weeks.

Donations in honor of David can be made to the Peace & Justice Center of Wilkes Barre, https://peaceandjusticecenter.com/.

Visitation and funeral service will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at Metcalfe, Shaver, Kopcza Funeral Home Inc. (504 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, PA 18644).

To share memories or condolences, please visit www.MetcalfeShaver.com.