James J. Dougherty

James J. (Doc) Dougherty, age 95, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, October 13, 2022. He was born on November 12, 1926 in Wilmington, son of the late John Patrick Dougherty and Elizabeth (Mullin) Dougherty, both immigrants from County Donegal in Ireland. Doc served his country in WWII in the US Navy from 1944 to 1946. He married "the prettiest woman he ever met", the love of his life, Anne Babiarz Dougherty, who predeceased him in 2020.
After his return from the Navy, Doc was employed as an electrician at General Motors for 43 years. He served in the UAW Local 435 in a variety of capacities, including President and Vice-President. After retiring from General Motors, he worked for several years at Kirkwood Dodge. He was a loving father to seven children, all of whom survive him: James (Karol), Robert (Randi), John (Barbara), Thomas (Darla), Marianne Shaw, Kathleen (Mike) Giofre, and Terrence. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Doc was preceded in death by all four siblings; daughters-in-law, Victoria (Lane) Dougherty and Cathy (Gallagher) Dougherty; grandson, Aaron Dougherty.
Doc served his community through his participation in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Little League coach. He was a devout and lifelong Catholic, who donated his time, talents and resources to the St. Matthew's Parish family.
Doc had no enemies, only friends and friends-to-be. He loved life, and enjoyed fishing, crabbing, the horses, The Fighting Irish, Phillies, Eagles and praying his daily rosary.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 901 E. Newport Pike, Woodcrest, Wilmington on Wednesday, October 19 at 12:00PM. Calling hours for Doc will take place prior to the Mass at St. Matthew's beginning at 11:00AM. Entombment will follow the Mass at Cathedral Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Delaware Hospice as well as his doting caregivers, Edith, Love and Elaine for the loving care and compassion given to Doc. In lieu of flowers, please support The Salvation Army, 400 N. Orange Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 (https://pa.salvationarmy.org/delaware-command).
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