Sean Michael Dougherty

NEW HARTFORD – Lt. Sean Michael Dougherty, Ret. UPD, age 44, passed away, unexpectedly, on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in the dignity of his home.

Born in Utica, on July 4, 1979, Sean was the son of Duffy and Rose Mary (Palmisano) Dougherty. He was a graduate of Notre Dame High School and went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree from Siena College in 2001. Upon his return to Utica, he enrolled in and successfully completed the Utica Police Academy. After being appointed to the Utica Police Department on October 8, 2001, Sean served in many capacities within the department. He began in the Patrol Division, as an officer, and was eventually promoted to Sergeant, and then Lieutenant. He was also assigned to the Professional Standards Unit, where his steadfast work ensured that policies, procedures and laws were adhered to, maintaining the professionalism that is expected of the agency. Sean was dedicated to that role, and many of the current practices in place are because of the duties he performed. Most recently, prior to his retirement, he was tasked as the Director of the Mohawk Valley Crime Analysis Center. The Center is integral in the daily operations of not only the UPD, but of three other local counties. He oversaw the Center's daily operations and ensured that any agency request was handled with speed and accuracy. He was a leader to the sworn staff, as well as the civilian employees within the Center. Sean retired from the department, in October of 2021, after 20 dedicated years of protecting and serving his community. After his retirement from the UPD, Sean continued his work at Colgate University as Assistant Director and Lead Investigator for the Department of Campus Safety, a position he was well suited for.

Sean was equally committed to his friends and family. His affable, low-key nature endeared him to everyone. He was always willing to assist with a smile and a laugh. Through and through, Sean was gentle, kind, thoughtful and helpful to anyone who needed it. He was ever and always a gentleman and later, a hero. Sean was intelligent, hardworking, meticulous in his appearance and appreciated the quality of the finer things in life. Once he took a liking to an interest, Sean took the initiative to educate himself all about it.

Sean was a natural athlete and excelled at football, in hockey as a goal tender and in baseball, which he played Division 1 in college, and helped his team win the MAAC Championship. He credited his father for his sporting and policing abilities.

Sean was a staunch Buffalo Bills fan. He was also an avid reader, especially history tomes with a special interest in WWII, due to the close bond he shared with his grandfather who served.

Aside from all his personal and professional accomplishments, Sean was most proud of being a father.

Sean is survived by his loving parents, Duffy and Rose Mary Dougherty; his cherished daughter, Alexa; sister and brother-in-law, Jennifer and Paul Reittinger and their daughter, Sophie Rebecca, whom Sean adored. His loss is also felt by his aunts and uncles, Cynthia and the late Jeff Cohen, Chuck and Palma Dougherty, Cheryl Ewing, Chet and Debbie Dougherty, David Simbari and his children, Stephanie, and Stephen, Ann and Tom Wolanski and their children Sara, Leah, and Michelle, Jeff Almstead and his late wife Rebecca, Cindy Morgan and her late husband Dave, Richard and Maria Salamida, Mark Salamida, and Roger Perta; Godmother, Ann Marie Corleto, her husband Dan, and their children, Dan Jr., Mia, and Michael; cousins, Terry, Judi, Jesse, Nina, Erin; Meghan, Chuck Jr.; Matthew and Kimberly; and his niece and four nephews of the Vella family who affectionately called him "Uncle Pooh." Throughout his life, Sean made many valuable friendships, with special mention of Rainer Kohlbrenner, who was like a brother to him.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, John A. and Rita E. Salamida) Palmisano; and paternal grandparents, Chester A. and Joan (Potocki) Dougherty.

The family will honor and commemorate his life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Sean's Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee St. Members of the Utica Police Department will be present to honor their fellow officer. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions, in Sean's honor, may be made to a trust fund the family is establishing for his daughter, Alexa's future education; envelopes will be available at the service.

Fond wishes and messages of encouragement may be shared at www.EannaceFuneralHome.com.