Obituary of Edward J. Dougherty

Father Edward J. Dougherty, 85, a priest of the Diocese of Trenton, died Thursday in the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia. Born in Chester, PA he attended Notre Dame University and St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, Our Lady of the Angels Seminary, Niagara University, Lewiston, NY and Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA. He was elevated to the priesthood on May 30, 1953 at St. Mary’s Cathedral by the Most Rev, George W. Ahr, Bishop of Trenton. Father Dougherty served at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Trenton, St. Joseph’s Church in North Plainfield, Our Lady of Victories Church in Sayerville, Corpus Christi Church in Willingboro, St. Michael’s Church, West End, St. Mary’s Church in New Monmouth, St. John Vianney Church in Colonia, St. Matthew’s Church in Edison, St. Paul’s Church, Princeton, St. James Church, Pennington, Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Mercerville and the Church of St. Ann in Lawrenceville. He had also served as Chaplain at Our Lady of Princeton and Spiritual Director of the Padre Pio Prayer Group in the Diocese of Trenton and Chaplain at St. Francis Medical Center. Father Dougherty also served his country as a Chaplain in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict where he was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. He retired from military service in 1975 with the rank of Major. Son of the late James and Elizabeth McGinley Dougherty, brother of the late Joseph C. Dougherty and Dr. James F. Dougherty he is survived by his sister, Mary D. Warren and her husband James of Atlanta, GA a sister-in-law, Frances Dougherty of Sea Girt and several nieces and nephews. The Rite of Reception will be held on Monday at 4 PM at the Church of St. Ann, 1253 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville with visitation until 8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Father Dougherty on Tuesday at 10 AM with the The Most Reverend David O’Connell, Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton officiating. Private family burial service will be in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Chester, PA. In respect of the Lenten Season flowers will not be received at the church. The family kindly requests that memorial contributions in Father Dougherty’s name may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.