DOHERTY, John W. Lifelong resident of West Roxbury, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Martha (Pereyra) Doherty for 55 years. Loving father of Tania Manuel and her husband Allen of Medfield, and Veronica Paricio of Barrington, RI. Loving “Alo” of Owen, Lucie, and Oliver Manuel and Thomas and Simon Paricio. Brother of Susan O'Hara of Mashpee, Margaret Sheehy and her husband Michael of West Roxbury, and the late Marjorie Zwirble, Joan Fitzgerald, and Leo Doherty. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws in the United States and Uruguay.
John lived a very full life. After graduating from Mass Maritime Academy, he went on to sail his entire career with Moore-McCormack, ultimately retiring as Chief Engineer of the Moore-Mac Sun. In fact, it was during his sailing days that he met the love of his life, his wife of 55 years, Martha. After a whirlwind romance, John and Martha married and soon welcomed two daughters, Tania and Veronica. They made their home in West Roxbury, eventually buying a second home and summering in Yarmouthport. John loved working in the yards of both homes and truly excelled in home maintenance. His lawn was perfect and his day lilies were exceptionally well cared for. His homes and yards for a time were his pride and joy.
John then became Alo to five grandchildren - Thomas and Simon Paricio and Owen, Lucie and Oliver Manuel. The grandchildren were the light of John’s life. Alo and Ala helped babysit Thomas and Simon when both parents were working out of the house, and Alo happily came twice a week to help care for the twins when they first came home. Alo and Ala also hosted numerous sleepovers and were the early morning caretakers on the Cape when the whole family would spend the Fourth of July week. Hours were spent playing with the big ball and teaching the kids to ride bikes.
Visitation at the P.E. Murray - F.J. Higgins, George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home 2000 Centre St. West Roxbury on Wednesday, February 25th from 9:30-10:30am, followed by a Funeral Mass at Holy Name Church at 11am. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery. For full obituary and online guestbook pemurrayfuneral.com.