Joseph S. Dougherty, age 81, of Claymont, DE, went to be with our Lord after a long illness on Thursday, September 9, 2021.

Joseph was born on July 26, 1940 in Wilmington, DE to the late Kathleen (Green) and Joseph F. Dougherty.  He graduated from Christ Our King, Archmere Academy and King's College.  Joe always felt very fortunate about growing up and going to school in Wilmington, and spending his summers down Rehoboth Beach where his family also owned a home.

Joe worked from the very young age of 8 down Rehoboth as a golf caddy, later delivering ice for the Old Ice House, and finally at Funland, where he met and fell in love with Ann while taking tickets on the merry-go-round.  Many years later, Joe entered into a career of real estate, employed by both Patterson Schwartz and Century 21 for nearly 50 years.  He took great pride in being a real estate agent and helping many young couples find their first home. 

Joe’s faith was ingrained in him from childhood having attended catholic school from elementary through college.  He was a pillar in his home parish having worked many years at the annual carnival.  Joe was twice elected Parish Council President, a Eucharistic Minister, a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, and with his wife Ann, established the Divine Mercy Devotion for Holy Rosary Church, now in its 20th year.

Joe had many passions in life, although his love of gardening and enthusiasm for anything Irish were two of his favorites.  However, nothing gave him greater joy in life than being a proud husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  Family meant everything to Joe, and not a day went by that he didn’t show it through word or action.

Joe leaves behind his beloved wife of 61 years, Ann (Young) Dougherty.  He is also survived by his four adoring daughters, Linda Halloran of Wilmington, DE, Christine Graf (Jeff) of Claymont, DE, Diane Weatherlow (Bill) of Wilmington, DE, Amy Sidlowski (David) of Chadds Ford, PA; his nine grandchildren, Caitlin, Colleen, Joseph, Sam, Kyle, Emily, James, Matthew, Anna; and his great-grandchild, Andrew.  He was predeceased by his son-in-law, Phillip Halloran.

Our family would like to show appreciation to Drs. Moosavy and Malhi for their genuine empathy and compassion.  In addition, we would also like to thank all the doctors, nurses, aides, as well as the social worker at Seasons Hospice.  It gave us great peace of mind to see the kindness, dignity, and concern for comfort given to our dad, husband, and grandfather.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 17, 2021 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 3200 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703 from 10:00am until 11:00am, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00am.  Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 3200 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703; or Seasons Hospice, 4755 Ogletown Stanton Road, Newark, DE

19718.

To offer condolences, please visit:

Gebhartfuneralhomes.com

302-798-7726