November 9, 1936 – May 26, 2021
Frederick Jerome Doherty, 84, of Reading Massachusetts passed away suddenly on May 26, 2021, while fishing with his cherished brother-in-law, Kirt Gillum. He had just celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary with his loving wife, Joan (McManus) Doherty, and his entire family a few weeks prior to his passing. He will be remembered for his unending stories, his beautiful Irish tenor singing voice, his sense of humor, his love for his family, and a deep compassion for others.
Fred was born on November 9, 1936, in Woburn, Massachusetts, the son of the late Charles Leo and Helen Pauline (Maloney) Doherty. Fred attended St. Charles School (Gr 1-8), where he kept the nuns busy with his abundant energy. Throughout his childhood, he enjoyed many hours at the Woburn YMCA and at Woburn’s Horn Pond. Fred graduated from Woburn High School in 1954. He met his beloved Joanie in 1957. They married on May 6, 1961, at Saint Agnes Church in Reading. They eventually settled in Reading, where they raised their family.
Fred inherited his tireless work ethic from his parents. He began his first job at Spence Farm at age 11 and never stopped working. After High School, he worked for Cullen Electric as an Electrical Helper. He continued his career by becoming a master electrician. He worked as an Electrical Supervisor at GTE-Sylvania Labs, retiring after 32 years of service in 1998.
Fred remained active throughout his life. A skilled outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing competitive softball with his son Fred into his late 50’s. He was an avid gardener with a particular passion for Dahlias. He enjoyed being a loyal Boston Sports fan. Freddie also participated in race-walking including four Boston Marathons to benefit the Jimmy Fund. In his 70’s, alongside his sons Brian and Danny, he joined the Woburn Host Lions Club and was twice named Lion of the Year for his exceptional dedication.
He worked tirelessly for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities including his son Timmie who resided at Fernald School in Waltham, Massachusetts for 28 of his 30 years. He became a fierce advocate and continually used his voice and passion to improve the lives of many.
Fred was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, in-law and friend to so many.
Fred is the beloved husband for 60 years of Joan (McManus) Doherty. He is the devoted father of Frederick Doherty and his wife Catherine, Kathleen Taylor and her husband Craig, Brian Doherty and his partner Joy Bartlett, Dan Doherty and his wife Krissy, daughter-in-law Terry Henderson and the late Timothy “Timmie” Doherty. The cherished grandfather of Andrew and his partner Nevada, Brian and his wife Bella, Eric, Michele, Nathaniel, Sarah, Laura, Erin, Maddie, and Joey, Fred is the doting great grandfather of Anderson. He is the dear brother of Charles Doherty and his partner Mary Maquire, Brenda Downer and her husband Robert, Patsy Doherty, and his sibling-like in-laws Ann Morris, Midge and Ronnie Record, Fred and Judy McManus, Kevin and Anne McManus, and Maureen and Kirt Gillum. Uncle Freddie will be fondly remembered by his 25 nieces and nephews and his additional beloved family members, including Lenora Doherty, Landie and Robert Gendron, and Richard Morris.
Funeral from the Doherty – Barile Family Funeral Home, 11 Linden St. READING Wednesday, June 2nd at 9:30 am followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Fred’s Eternal Life in St. Agnes Church, 186 Woburn St. Reading at 10:30 am. Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with Fred’s Family on Tuesday, June 1st, from 4-8 pm in the Funeral Home. Parking attendants and elevator available. Interment Calvary Cemetery, Winchester.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred and his son Timmie’s honor to COFAR, Inc. www.cofar.org, 3 Hodges St, Mansfield, MA 02048 or the Lions Club International, www.lionsclubs.org/en/donate.
