Daniel Joseph Doherty, the heart and soul of every room he ever entered, passed away surrounded by the family he cherished beyond measure, after a courageous battle with cancer. A resident of Saugus, MA formerly of Charlestown, MA, the son of the late Bernard “Barney” Doherty and Mary (Burns) Doherty, Danny was born on April 8, 1955. Dan lived his 70 years with more love, laughter, and light than most could ever hope to see in a lifetime.
He was a true giant — not in stature, but in spirit. With a harmonica in his pocket, a scally cap on his head (usually coordinated to match his beloved wife), and a cigar in hand, Dan lived life out loud. He told the best stories — sometimes bigger than life, sometimes a little exaggerated, always unforgettable. If you were lucky enough to hear one, you probably didn’t stop laughing for days.
Danny was a proud member of Local 805 in the International Longshoremen’s Association. He worked on the waterfront for 40+ years and ended his career as a crane operator.
For 58 extraordinary years, Danny worshipped his wife Lilly (Flammini) Doherty. Their love was the kind people write about — playful, deep, and enduring. She was his whole world, and he made sure she knew it every single day. Together, they raised four children who were the pride of his life: Lili and her husband Britt of Westport, Katie and her husband Brandon of Lynnfield, Dano and his wife Linda of Saugus, and Jacqueline and her husband Michael of Peabody. He beamed when he spoke of them — and believe us, he always spoke of them.
Danny was also the most proud and endlessly loving papa to nine grandchildren — Jack, Ryan, Evan, Marli, Van, Daniel, Matthew, Michael, and Keegan — with one more lucky little soul, Quinn, soon to join the legacy, in which he was the cornerstone of.
A man of many names: Dad, Dan, Danny, the Dubs, Double D, he never missed a game or a chance to cheer. He was the first to arrive, the loudest voice, and the last to leave. Every sunset was worth watching, every vacation was taken, every “I love you” said aloud and often. Any stretch of free time, he booked the trip to Turks and Caicos, his favorite place in the world. He made you feel like you were the most important person — because to Danny, in that moment, you truly were.
One of 12 siblings, Danny was the beloved brother of the late Bernie, Kay, Tommy, Joanne, Johnny, and brother of Mary, Barbara, Roger and the late Nancy, Peggy and Hughie. Danny’s roots were as deep as his devotion. He never forgot where he came from, Charlestown Massachusetts, and often spoke with great affection about his predeceased parents, Barney and Mary, whose values and loyalty clearly shaped the man he became.
He is also survived by his sister-in-laws and their families and many cousins and friends near and far.
Danny was unforgettable. He had a memory that held stories for decades, a strength that held up generations, and a voice that could fill a stadium or soothe a soul. He had a gift for talking to anyone — and making them feel like family. He often said he was the luckiest man on the planet to have his family, but we all know the truth: we were the lucky ones to have him.
He leaves behind a legacy of joy, passion, love, and loyalty that will live on in every story retold around a dinner table, in every sunset watched with reverence, in every scally cap tipped toward heaven.
There will never be another like him. We will miss him every day, every minute. But in the echoes of his harmonica, the smoke of a good cigar, the laughter of his grandchildren, and the love that binds his family — he is still with us.
Keep the faith Danny, we love you forever and always. Our dad. Our heart. Our hero.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Danny's Funeral on Wednesday May 28, 2025 at 9 A.M. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10 A.M. in St. Francis De Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown. His burial will be at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody. His visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Danny's name to:
Charlestown Boys and Girls Club
15 Green St.
Charlestown, MA 02129