Richard W. Doherty

Capt. Richard W. Doherty, U.S. Coast Guard, Ret., age 88, of Blue Bell, PA, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, January 23, 2025 in the Jefferson Lansdale Hospital, Lansdale, PA. Born on July 16, 1936 in Philadelphia, PA, he was a son of the late Emma Edna (Hilles) and William Hummel Doherty.
Mr. Doherty grew up in the Rhawnhurst section of Philadelphia before moving to Glenside during middle school. He was a graduate of Abington High School where he was a member of the rifle team and receive a varsity letter as the track team manager. He received his bachelor's degree with a major in agriculture from the Pennsylvania State University, where he was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity.
Shortly after graduation, Mr. Doherty joined the United States Coast Guard. His service would lead him twice to Alaska, New York City, New Orleans, Portsmouth, VA, and Baltimore before his retirement as a Captain in 1985. He was recalled to active duty to assist in the clean-up of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989, which gave him much pride and satisfaction.
Mr. Doherty was a faithful and active member of the Church of the Messiah in Lower Gwynedd and the Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge, where he served on the cemetery committee. Mr. Doherty was a supporter of Ducks Unlimited Wetland Conservation, as well as the Chester River Association in Maryland for their work in rehabbing the river.
Dick was a lifelong history buff, belonging to several historical societies. His love for travel, recently took him on a solo trip to the beaches of Normandy, France. Always looking forward to his next adventure he was planning one more trip to Ireland in2025. Having grown up summering in Avalon, NJ, he passed along his love for life along the sea and all things in nature. He was very active in Scouting with his boys. Mr. Doherty was very handy and built many things including a deck for his home and a greenhouse. All who knew him knew his love for labrador retrievers and the great joy he had in sharing life with them.
Mr. Doherty is survived by three children, David S. Doherty, Shawn P., husband of Jennifer Doherty, and Heather L., wife of Gene Distler; five grandchildren, Michelle Doherty, Paige Distler, Griffin Distler, Liam Distler, and Aidan Distler; three great-grandchildren, Bart, Odessa, and Emma; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Ashley Doherty; and two sisters, Jean Chipman and Eileen Ortolani.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service at the Church of the Messiah, 1001 Dekalb Pike, Lower Gwynedd, PA 19002 on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Officiating will be The Rev. Emily Given. Burial will be held privately at a later date in the Washington Memorial Chapel Churchyard. Friends will be received from 9:30 AM-11:00 AM at Church of the Messiah on Thursday morning. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Church of the Messiah at https://www.messiahgwynedd.org/. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, PA. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.