His enthusiasm was of a contagious kind.” Agatha Christie
The Dougherty family mourns the loss of Frank Timothy (“Tim/Timmy”) Dougherty, who died from complications of Parkinson’s Disease on October 15 at the age of 74. Brilliant, kind, and beloved by many, his zest for life characterized his very being.
Tim was born in Pittsburgh, PA to Frank Dougherty Sr. and Barbara Dougherty. He was the eldest of four children, followed by Jack, Annie, and Sara within a span of twelve years.
After graduating from Brandywine High School as class president in 1969, Tim’s academic career continued to flourish. A scholar to his core, his achievements included a BA from Dickinson College (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa), an MA and PhD (from University of Pennsylvania and University of Illinois, respectively), as well as an MA in International Management from the Thunderbird School (now part of Arizona State University). Tim’s junior year of college in Madrid sparked his interest in foreign study and travel. A few years later, he spent one year teaching at a university in Colombia and collecting unwritten ballads in the countryside, an adventure he transformed into an important research piece. His multilingual doctoral thesis explored the portrayal of Romani people in western literature.
Tim’s facility for languages and interest in other cultures and places were greatly beneficial in his two internationally focused careers, first with W.L. Gore and Associates (medical division) and then at the SSS Clutch Company in New Castle, DE.
Tim met the love of his life, Vivian, in a shared Portuguese class in Champagne-Urbana, IL. They married in 1979. Together they proudly raised their three sons, Alex, Mike, and Scott, in the Chalfonte subdivision of North Wilmington, DE. The family welcomed Tim’s niece, Rachel, into their family and home after the untimely death of her mother, Tim’s sister, Annie. Tim was deeply loyal to his entire extended family, his bands of brothers from high school and college, and his many other friends, near and far.
Tim was always generous of spirit and appreciated people from all walks of life. His ability to find joy in the small things included sipping Vivian’s famous café con leche around the kitchen table, shooting hoops with his sons and friends, and sharing stories. Whatever was interesting to you was of interest to him, and he would unfailingly support you in your efforts, asking all of the best questions and attending as many meaningful events as possible. Tim’s wide variety of interests included Philadelphia sports teams, great literature, films of all kinds (from classics to the campiest of B movies), the Three Stooges, geography facts, and all things in between. After spending time with Tim, it was impossible not to share his enthusiasm.
Tim is survived by Vivian, his wife of 46 years, his sons, Alex, Mike, and Scott, brother Jack Dougherty (Yuk Lin), sister Sara Dougherty-Jones (Steve Jones), and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Barbara S. and Frank M. Dougherty and his sister, Ann Dougherty.
Although Parkinson’s gradually robbed Tim of his favorite activities, he never lost the qualities that made him beloved and unique. He fought bravely until the very end. His service will be held on November 4 at 1:00 p.m. at Concord Presbyterian Church, 1800 Fairfax Blvd. in North Wilmington. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/421686/#!/donation/checkout
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