Joseph Aloysius Dougherty

Joseph Aloysius Dougherty, Sr., 91 years old, of Livonia, MI passed away with his wife by his side on July 29, 2021. His battle with medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a sense of humor. Despite his medical issues, Joe was a soldier until the end.

Joe was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 9, 1929 to his loving parents Aloysius and Florence Dougherty. He graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic High School. After high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served as a Private First Class soldier. He continued on to receive a bachelor’s degree in business from St. Joes Catholic College on the GI Bill of Rights.

Joe met the love of his life, Jeannette Ellen Farrell, right after high school at a Halloween party on her birthday. They were married on October 24, 1953. If you’re trying to add the math in your head, they were married 67 years.

Joe worked as a Financial Controller for Burroughs and traveled around the world for his job. He enjoyed horses, music, traveling, sports, a strong drink, and most of all his family. Joe was also actively involved in The Livonia Elks, including portraying Santa Claus at a Christmas party and many a Bingo nights.

Joe is survived by his loving wife Jeannette, and his three sons: Steve (Lynn), Jeff (Cherri), and Joe (Lisa). He was the proud Papa to seven grandchildren: Rachel Lavon, Trevor Daniel, Jeffrey Dougherty, Dillon Dougherty, and Leah Dougherty. He recently became a Great Grandfather to Isabella and Valon Lavon. Joe is also survived by two sisters: Mary Brant and Sabina (Bob) McMahon, and nieces and nephews Chuck Brant, Katie Murphy, Phillip Brant, Michelle Pietrefesa, Robert McMahon, Shari Mundaniohl, Mark McMahon, Meredith Walter, Eric Dougherty, and many other family and friends.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents: Florence and Aloysius Dougherty, his brother John Dougherty, and his nephew Elliott Dougherty.

The visitation will be held at Manns Family Funeral Home 17000 Middlebelt Rd, Livonia MI 48154 on Thursday, August 5th from 4pm to 8pm, and the funeral service will be held at St. Genevieve Catholic Church 29015 Jamison St, Livonia, MI 48154 on Friday, August 6th, where he will lie in state at 10:30 am followed by a service at 11 am.

Memorial donations in memory of Joe may be made to the American Cancer Society.