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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Frank M. Dougherty

 

“A gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out.” — George Bernard Shaw

The Dougherty family mourns the loss of our patriarch, Frank Moore Dougherty, who died of natural causes, surrounded by family, at St. Francis Hospital on May 3, 2018 at the age of 92.

Frank was born in Pittsburgh, PA to Frank H. Dougherty and Mary Jane Moore. He was the youngest of three children, following his brother, Wilson, and his sister, Mary Elizabeth. Frank (also known to many of his friends and family members as “Doc”) attended Edgewood High School, where he excelled at sports and met his future bride, Barbara Schropp. After his high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Following training in NC, FL, and TX, he was en route to the Pacific on VJ Day.

Frank subsequently enrolled at The University of Pittsburgh on the GI Bill. He was a member of the university’s baseball team and participated in fraternity life as a brother of Pi Kappa Alpha. Shortly after his graduation from Pitt, he married the love of his life, Barbara. They were happily married for 59 years, until her death on November 30, 2008.

Frank had a long career with the DuPont Company. He was transferred to Indianapolis, IN and Wheaton, IL before settling in Wilmington. He retired from his position as a sales and marketing manager in 1985. Frank subsequently worked as an Associate at W.L. Gore and Associates, with leadership responsibilities in the medical products division, until 1993.

When not at work back in those days (and even more so in retirement), Frank could be found competing on the tennis courts of the DuPont Country Club, avidly watching his children’s (then grandchildren’s) games and performances, gently lobbing tennis balls at the rabbits in his backyard vegetable garden (in a halfhearted attempt to scare them off), playing paddle ball on the beach in Avalon, NJ, discussing books and socializing with dear friends, or actively supporting Concord Church — nearly always with Barbara at his side.

Frank’s warmth, kindness, gentle humor, and candor were ever on display. He was an effortless gentleman. His enduring legacy is his devotion to his family. Frank was relentlessly family-oriented and a deeply proud husband, father, and grandfather. He carefully bestowed extra attention on whomever was particularly vulnerable at any given time.

Frank was predeceased by his wife, Barbara, and his daughter, Ann Elizabeth Dougherty, who died on March 3, 2015, also of natural causes.

Frank is survived by his two sons, Frank T. Dougherty (Vivian) and Jack R. Dougherty (Grage), as well as his daughter, Sara Dougherty-Jones (Steve Jones). He was blessed with twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren: Barbara Butkus, David Harshbarger, and Rachel Ramirez; Alex, Michael, and Scott Dougherty; Julia Dougherty-Kilgour (daughters Madeline and Charlotte Kilgour), Katie Dougherty (son Thomas Dougherty-Borwell), Carolyn Dougherty-Gaynor (children John and Grace Gaynor), and Jack Dougherty, Jr.; and Andrew and Ella Jones.

A celebration of Frank’s (Doc’s) life will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 1 p.m. at Concord Presbyterian Church, 1800 Fairfax Blvd, Wilmington, DE 19803. Should friends desire, contributions to the needy may be made to Concord Presbyterian Church Deacons’ Fund at the same address.

 

 

 

Funeral Services

 

 

A celebration of Frank’s (Doc’s) life will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 1 p.m. at Concord Presbyterian Church, 1800 Fairfax Blvd, Wilmington, DE 19803. Should friends desire, contributions to the needy may be made to Concord Presbyterian Church Deacons’ Fund at the same address.

 

 

 

 

 

Condolences

    Melissa & Jamie Robinson writes,
    Sara, Steve, Andrew & Ella - I am deeply sorry for the loss of this gentleman. He must’ve been special to many with his fun-loving and gracious manner, but particularly so to you. Jamie and I miss our parents and siblings who have passed everyday...but remembering keeps them close. <3 Melissa & Jamie
    05/08/2018 03:47 pm
    Jan Allard writes,
    My sympathy to all the Dougherty family. I have many fond memories of spending time with Sara and her loving parents at their home when I was growing up. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
    05/08/2018 03:52 pm
    Leily Batmanghelidj lit a candle and writes,
    With our deepest condolences to all of you. Your father’s (and grandfather’s and great-father’s) legacy shines in all the magnificent children and grandchildren he leaves behind. Although we did not have the privilege of knowing him in person, we know he was a wonderful human being because he gave us the joy of loving Sara and Steve and AJ and Ella. May his soul rest in peace as he is reunited with his sweetheart and his daughter. The Batmanghelidj Family
    05/08/2018 09:05 pm
    Laurie Chouinard writes,
    Frank “M” as he was affectionately known at Gore was indeed a gentleman and will be missed. He supported and guided a team of sales professionals to better themselves by sharing the secret to selling was engaging others in the things they loved. This was the way he lived his life, self-effacing, genuine, and with positive energy. My heartfelt sympathy to his family.
    05/09/2018 08:38 am
    Allan E. Samonisky lit a candle and writes,
    My brother, Marc sent me the newspaper article of Frank M. Dougherty. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Tim, Jack and Sara, as well as your extended families. My fondest memories of your dad consisted of talking baseball and spending time at your house in Chatham with your entire family. Your dad was a gentle soul and always found time to talk. I am sure he is already sorely missed by all. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the memorial service scheduled for June 2, since I will be in Philadelphia for the baptismal ceremony of our second grandchild, Ava Marie Fulcher. Please know that I will be with your dad, you and your family on that day. Take care. Allan (Elfego) Samonisky
    05/09/2018 12:14 pm
    Karen Rhodes Wylie writes,
    Timmy, Jack and Sara-so very sorry to hear about your Dad. I have such wonderful memories of both your parents! I loved the summer vacations we all shared at Stone Harbor-the “padres” singing at the beach, the spirited games of Jeopardy and Password, our Dads at the shoreline talking and acting as our personal lifeguards, and best of all the laughter and fun we all had! He will be missed. My deepest sympathies to all.
    05/10/2018 08:04 am
    Leslie Williams writes,
    Dear Sara, Steve and family, I send you my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your dear father. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time. Co-worker/Friend of Veronica's.
    05/11/2018 10:32 am
    Jamie Gil writes,
    Dear Family, I was saddened to hear this news. My mom (below, Laurie C.) just told me this morning. Your father made quite an impression on me in my high school years. He was very kind to me and by his example showed me what a gentleman looks and acts like...... But, he always had a glint of mischievous in his beautiful eyes and possibly a quip to make you blush, lighten the mood, or break the ice. Ready with a smile, a firm handshake, and a bearing that could rule the room I am a better person for having Frank M cross my path as a young man. Deep Peace.
    05/13/2018 06:57 pm
    The Harman family writes,
    To the entire Dougherty family - and in particular to Rachel whom our mother cared for over so many years - we offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences.
    05/29/2018 08:49 pm
    Mark Ross writes,
    From Mark Ross and the Ross family our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    05/30/2018 09:55 pm

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