Thomas Dougherty

1938 - 2025

Thomas Arthur Dougherty, 86, of Bluffton, South Carolina, passed away on October 3, 2025. Born in New York City, the eldest of nine siblings, Tom learned early the importance of leadership, caregiving, and a good sense of humor. He inherited his booming laugh from his mother and graced everyone who knew him with its liberal use. He is survived by four of his siblings: Arthur Dougherty, Francis Lee, Veronica Dougherty, and Christina Dougherty.

A proud Eagle Scout, Tom credited the Boy Scouts for shaping his values and approach to life. He earned a BE and master's degree in electrical engineering, as well as an MBA, and enjoyed a 43-year career at Lockheed Martin, rising from engineer to vice president. Tom worked on numerous classified projects, but his proudest achievement was working on the Hubble Space Telescope for 23 years, including serving as Project Manager for the first Hubble Servicing Mission. For his exceptional leadership, he received NASA's Distinguished Public Service Medal, the agency's highest civilian honor.

Tom's first marriage to Maxine Levine blessed him with four children: Carolyn of the UK; Cynthia (spouse Philip Stuart Berlinicke) of Baltimore, MD; Michael of Los Angeles, CA; and Catherine of San Jose, CA. He cherished his only granddaughter, Annika Berlinicke, who loved Pop-pop's visits to Baltimore for Italian-sausage subs and ice cream.

After retiring, Tom and his second wife, Virginia (Jinny), embarked on ten cross-country RV trips, exploring all 48 contiguous states with their beloved shelties by their side. In 2017, they settled in Hilton Head's Sun City, where they enjoyed life with their current shelties, Andy (13) and Rainy (6), and three birds: Ricki (a k?k?riki) and English budgies, Buddy and Sky. Tom and Jinny shared 30 wonderful years of marriage, as best friends and the loves of each other's lives.

Tom touched so many lives; we will always remember his kindness and sense of humor- and dearly miss his amazing laugh.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.