July 23, 1940 — August 3, 2024
Joseph J. Doherty, a lifelong resident of Reading passed away peacefully at his home with his loving family by his side on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024. He was 84 years of age.
Born on Tuesday, July 23, 1940, in Winchester, Joe was the loving son of the late Joseph Doherty and Alice (Murphy) Doherty. Joe was a warm, kind, gentle and loyal son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Joe was a lifelong Reading Rocket. He was a proud member of the Reading Knights of Columbus Post 1031. He was a licensed funeral director and truly loved his family’s funeral home, the Joseph Doherty Funeral Home, in Reading. Joe thoroughly valued working alongside his father and brother learning the art of mortuary sciences. Joe earned a degree from Merrimack College and worked as a Director of Finance for General Electric for many years.
As an avid sports fan, Joe loved his New England sports teams. In particular, he loved the Boston Red Sox and any other team that beat the Yankees. Ted Williams was his hero, and he enjoyed telling “Teddy Ballgame” stories to his kids and grandchildren. Joe played sports throughout his life, from pickup games at Washington Park with his neighborhood friends to playing in Men’s Basketball leagues. Joe enjoyed coaching youth basketball and baseball. He was also a Cub Scout leader, was a lector at St. Agnes in Reading, and volunteered with the St. Agnes Youth Group.
Perhaps his greatest love was reserved for his wife, Diana, whom he married in 1967 and the family they raised together. In the spring, summer and fall, you could find Joe and Di documenting their excursions around New England to find day trips and the best places to pick apples, get a sandwich or kick back with a gin & tonic. During the cold New England winters, you’d find Joe and Di at their second home in Fort Pierce, FL where they made sure to call the family often and let them know the current temperature while watching Spring Training.
Joe was the beloved husband of Diana (Dwoske) Doherty. He was the devoted father of Joe Doherty and his wife Kathy, and Cindi Haggerty and her husband Rob. The cherished grandfather of Joe, Molly, and twins Kevin and Jason, Joe was also the dear brother of Father Bob Doherty, Mary Busby and her husband Jake, Rita Swanson and her late husband Arvid, and the late Paul Doherty, whose surviving wife is Carol. He is lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will truly miss him.
Funeral from the Joseph Doherty – Barile Family Funeral Home, 11 Linden Street READING on Wednesday, August 14th at 9:30am followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Joe’s Eternal Life in Saint Agnes Church, 186 Woburn Street Reading at 10:30am. Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with Joe’s Family on Tuesday, August 13th from 4-7pm in the Funeral Home. Parking attendants and an elevator are available.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Joe’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, Massachusetts 02460 or by referring to the link below.
