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Obituary (NM): Thomas Edmund Doherty '60

Posted on 01/04/2019

Thomas Doherty  (DECEMBER 31, 2018)

Tom Doherty passed peacefully at his home on December 31, 2018 with Gail, his wife of 58 years, by his side. Tom is survived by Gail, their four children: Suzanne Doherty Glenn (James), Michelle Doherty, Jeannine Doherty, Mark Doherty (Shari) their sons Aidan and Finn, and his brother Marty Doherty. Tom was preceded in death by his sister, Sheila McGuire, and brothers, Bill and Phil Doherty. His personal toast of “to family” guided his life, and he will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.

Tom was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1938. His love of basketball and football at St. Francis Prep (1956) earned him an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, class of 1960. Tom served in the U.S. Air Force for over 24 years.  The majority of his career was in the Military Airlift Command as a navigator, Operations Officer within Search and Rescue and notably a tour of duty in Vietnam.  One of Tom’s most fulfilling roles was his command of the Pararescue Training Squadron. His assignments took he and his family to KS, TX, NJ, the Philippines, NH, IL and NM.  Tom then took his leadership talent to Citigroup for 12 years as a Vice President.

Tom was devoted to his country and community, living a life dedicated to service, compassion and care.  After retiring in Albuquerque, he devoted years to volunteering with Catholic Charities, supporting Gail with administration of Project Linus, and cuddling at UNM NICU, providing pet therapy with Klancy, the German shepherd to patients at the VA and children’s hospital, and supporting John XXIII Church and Aquinas Newman Center.

Tom and Gail relocated to Phoenix where he was able to receive wonderful medical care and eventually eldercare from the staff at MorningStar, Endeavor and most recently from Hospice of the Valley, allowing him to spend time with his family and dear friends.

Please join us in celebration of Tom on Wednesday, January 9th at Messinger Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Road in Scottsdale.  The Rosary will be recited at 1pm followed by a visitation and a funeral Mass at 3:00 p.m. Following military honors, Tom will be buried at the National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix on Friday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Tom’s memory to the American Parkinson Disease Association, Alzheimer’s Association, U.S. Naval Academy Foundation or Hospice of the Valley.

Blue Skies Tom ~

Indian School Mortuary
7601 East Indian School Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Tel: (480) 945-9521

https://www.messingermortuary.com/notices/Thomas-Doherty