John W. Doherty, a 62 year resident of Melrose, died on Monday, June 15, 2009, at his home in Melrose following a lengthy illness. He was 92 years old.
John was born in Boston on June 10, 1917. He grew up in East Boston where he attended Boston Public Schools and graduated from East Boston High School. He began working at The Boston Naval Shipyard in Charlestown as a photographer. He enlisted into the United States Navy on December 9, 1943 and served his country during World War II. He was discharged on December 11, 1945 with the rank of Photographer's Mate Second Class. Following his discharge, John resumed his work at The Boston Naval Shipyard and became their head photographer for many years and retired after it's forced closing in 1974. John also worked as a freelance wedding photographer in the Melrose area for several years. He had a passion for old locomotive trains and would travel across country by locomotive train. He was a longtime communicant at Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Wakefield. He was a proud father of his 6 children and devoted himself to his loving wife.
John is the beloved husband of 66 years to Gertrude M. (Surette) Doherty who were married on June 20, 1943. He is the devoted father of John L. Doherty and his wife Harriet of Florida, Dennis M. Doherty and his wife Judith of Merrimack, NH, Laraine M. Borrows and her husband Kevin of Merrimack, NH, Arlene Tallberg of Eliot, ME, Richard F. Doherty and his wife Kimberly, and Debra Blodgett of Manchester, NH. He is the loving Pop to Brenna, Eric J., Kara, Benjamin, Jeffrey, Paul, Brian, Peter, Katrin, Daniel, Michele, Shannon, Jennifer, Jason, Derek, Matthew, Jamie and his several great-grandchildren. He is the beloved brother of Clare Doherty of East Boston, the late Edward Doherty and Marie Amirault.
John's Funeral will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2009, at 9 a.m. from The Carr Funeral Home, 1159 Main Street, Melrose, followed by his Funeral Mass in The Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main Street, Wakefield, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, June 17, 2009, from 4 to 7 p.m. Cremation will take place following his Funeral Mass.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make memorial donations in John's name to Hospice of The North Shore, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.