Patrick John Doherty

Patrick J. Doherty lost his battle with vascular dementia on April 8, 2024, just before the solar eclipse he would have been thrilled to watch at the age of 83.
He was born in Elizabeth, NJ; and lived his life in Rahway, NJ and Edison NJ. He retired with his wife to Ocean City, MD and Ocean Pines, MD; and then to Myrtle Beach, SC. He had a wonderful life and his family is saddened but know that his pain and suffering are no more. He never wanted to be a burden and never was.
His sustenance and his passion were his family. He met his wife when he was 17 and she was 15. He held his wife's hand every day even after 60 years of marriage. He also insisted on opening the car door for her every time, even when he had trouble standing on his own. They danced together recently at their 60th anniversary party and even though he was already losing cognition he was sweet and there was not a dry eye in the room.
He was happiest spending time with her and with his children and his grandchildren whether it was traveling, boating, golfing, or just visiting. He loved video games nearly to the end. He built each of us a clock which we all cherish. He was never afraid to be silly, to play on the playground with his grandchildren; to get on stage at Disney doing the hula and playing the role of Capt'n Duck on Steamboat Willie.
He never hesitated to travel any distance to support his children and his grandchildren.
His sense of humor also lasted nearly to the end and we remember his sly wit and ability to laugh. He had a smile that was always there and he had a constant twinkle in his eye. Even the nurses in the nursing home commented on his smile.
He loved deeply and cared always. His last words to all of us individually were "I love you". He was never afraid to say those words and he meant it from the heart.
He was a veteran of the US Army and a former Commander in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He worked as a research microbiologist at Merck for more than 25 years and holds two US patents for veterinary treatment of heartworm.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nancy; his children Patrick (Lauren), Debra (Jeff), and Donna (Ken); and his grandchildren Daniel, Jocelyn, Kyle, Keren and Meira. He taught us all the value of education and was thrilled to know our life paths. We are grateful that he led us. He is also survived by his brother David and his sister Eileen, and many nieces and nephews.
We are eternally grateful for those who helped us care for him as he waned. Thank you does not seem sufficient enough to express how you impacted our lives and his.
No funeral is planned but a celebration of life will be announced later in the year. Donations in his memory may be made to Coast Guard Foundation (www.coastguardfoundation.org), Lower Cape Fear LifeCare (www.LifeCare.org), and Donate Life Maryland (www.donatelifemaryland.org).
He is already missed and is forever loved.
Goldfinch Funeral Home of Carolina Forest is honored to serve the family.