William O.
Dougherty (1938 -
2011)
William O.
Dougherty, a kind, candid and consistent man, passed away Friday, August 5,
2011 at the age of 72.
Bill was born in 1938 the beloved son of Sara and George Dougherty. He
attended Saint Roberts Elementary and St. James High School in Chester. He
enlisted in the United States Navy after graduation where
he ultimately earned the right to serve as an Air Traffic Controller. Bill
worked with The Federal Aviation Administration for thirty nine years where
his contributions helped keep millions of air travelers safe for decades.
He was a member of The Church of the Holy Child and the Delaware Veterans
Post #1 in Wilmington.
Bill loved the world with all of its ambiguity. Bill was a responsible,
liberal and caring person who respected his fellow man and made fast
friends through his gifts as a conversationalist. Bill was a loving,
supportive and steady father to his children and grandchildren and his
guidance will be sorely missed. Dearest to his heart was his wife Barbara
whose light spirit provided him the freedom to enjoy the world's deepest
joys. For her, his patience and constant encouragement gave her the freedom
to be the genuine artist in all our lives. He loved his family, traveling
with his wife and friends, and enjoying time spent with his children and
grandchildren.
Bill is survived by three children and their spouses; Christina and Michael
Mattera, Sean and Holly Dougherty, and Lisa and Brian Dougherty. He is also
survived by his five grandchildren; Christopher, Matthew, Brendan, Lizzie
and Maggie who all will miss him tremendously.
Friends and family are welcome to visit from 6-8 pm on Friday at CHANDLER
FUNERAL HOME, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington. A Mass of Christian Burial
will be offered at 11 am on Saturday, August 13, at The Church of The Holy
Child, 2500 Naamans Road, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to The American Cancer Society ,
92 Read's Way, Suite 205, New Castle, DE 19720 or The Arthritis
Foundation , 100 W. 10th St., Suite 206,
Wilmington, DE 19801.
For online condolences, please visit www.chandlerfuneralhome.com
302-478-7100
