Edward J. Doherty

EDWARD J. DOHERTY

Edward J. Doherty of Rochester and Pittsford, NY, a good man, passed away March 8, 2026, at age 76.

Ed is survived by his loving family, wife of 41 years Patrice Mitchell and daughter Laine Mitchell Doherty; siblings Mike (Linda), Tim (Susan), Ann (Marty) Peters, Chris (Maryann), and Patty (Bill) Lyle and their families; sisters-in-law Dianne (Jamey) O'Neill and Laurie (John) Garbarino and their families; and many friends. He is predeceased by parents Ed and Edna, siblings Charlie and Edna, and in-laws Les and Lillian Mitchell.

Ed was a true public servant. He worked for the City of Rochester for 31 years, including as budget director and longtime commissioner of environmental services. He spearheaded numerous successful initiatives including the area's first curbside recycling program and the creation of city recreation trails. His second career was as vice president of community programs at the Rochester Area Community Foundation, where his groundbreaking 2013 report on poverty in Rochester kickstarted the Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative on which he served.

In retirement, Ed continued his anti-poverty work, concentrating on data research. He was an invited speaker on many local issues, and tutored English as a second language, among other volunteer efforts. He served on nonprofit boards including The Children's Agenda, Parks & Trails NY, and Genesee Land Trust, and as a Community Fellow and Advisory Board member at the Center for Nonprofit Leadership at his alma mater, St. John Fisher University. He also taught in SUNY Brockport's public administration program, where he had obtained his master's degree.

In his personal life, Ed was just as selfless. He was never too tired or busy to help anyone, from family and friends to strangers. An incredible husband and father, he took special joy in cooking and otherwise caring for Laine and Patrice. Family came first.

Ed enjoyed travel, starting with his camping and hiking trips around the United States and Canada as a young man. He was proud to visit all 50 states, and he and Patrice loved hiking through national parks, among other adventures. Ed was a longtime New York Mets fan and he cheered on the Buffalo Bills through numerous ups and downs.

Calling hours will be from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. (3325 Winton Rd. S., Henrietta). A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church (150 Varinna Dr., Brighton). Interment will follow at White Haven Memorial Park (210 Marsh Rd., Pittsford).

Please consider a contribution to the Isaiah House comfort care hospice (TheIsaiahHouse.org), or the Lillian Mitchell and Edward Doherty Fund for Glioblastoma Research (Att: Amanda Adreani, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Office of Philanthropy, 10 Brookline Place West, 5th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445).