With sadness, but with faith in the Resurrection, we announce that our brother, Rev. William N. Dougherty, OSFS, passed away at the age of 87 on Saturday, July 6, 2024. He was a professed member of the Oblates for 69 years and a priest for 59 years. A teacher, parochial vicar, formator, and friend, Fr. Dougherty was a dedicated Oblate and priest.

Born in Philadelphia, PA on December 23, 1936, Bill was the son of William Dougherty and Rose (Rechner) Dougherty. He attended St. Bernard’s Parish School, and after graduating from Northeast Catholic High School in 1954, joined the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, making his First Profession of vows in 1955 and his Perpetual Profession in 1958.

Bill was an avid reader and lifelong learner who developed an uncanny expertise on a wide range of topics. He earned his B.S. in natural science from Niagara University (NY); his bachelor's degree and Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland; and his M.A. in French from Villanova University (PA). His studies continued at DeChantal Hall in Lewiston, NY. Fr. Dougherty was ordained to the priesthood on April 3, 1965, at the Church of San Michel in Fribourg by Bishop Haller, Abbot of the Monastery of St. Bernard.

Fr. Dougherty was a dedicated and transformative educator. As a seminarian, he taught chemistry at Salesian High School in Detroit and then at his alma mater, North Catholic. Following ordination, he returned to North Catholic, where he taught French and Religion, and also founded the “Quest” program that piloted individualized education. In 1973, he joined the faculty of Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, VA. Ever the innovator, he established the Personalized Education Program as the Assistant Principal for Curriculum at Ireton from 1973 to 1975. During this time, he also taught education courses at The Catholic University of America and Virginia Tech.

In 1983, Fr. Dougherty was one of several Oblates to open the new Pope Paul VI High School (PVI) in Fairfax, VA. At PVI, “Fr. Doc” (as he was affectionately known) taught French, Latin, and Religion. He also continued teaching Death & Dying, a class he had developed at Bishop Ireton that gave him the opportunity to discuss many issues related to life, loss, and faith. One former student described Fr. Dougherty as “a brilliant and empathetic influence on so many young people.” While working in the school, Fr. Doc also served as religious superior of the PVI Oblate community. Throughout his years in education, Fr. Dougherty earned the admiration and loyalty of legions of students, many of whom maintained lifelong friendships with him. Over the years, Fr. Doc celebrated the marriages of many former students and ministered at the baptisms and funerals of countless family and friends.

After spending almost thirty years in secondary education, Fr. Doc transitioned into parish work serving as parochial vicar at St. John Neumann Parish in Reston, VA. In 1998, Fr. Dougherty joined the Oblate Formation Team in Washington, D.C. as he assumed the role of Novice Master for the North American Provinces, training seminarians and sharing his wisdom, spirit, and sense of humor. In 2003, Fr. Doc returned to St. John Neumann, where he continued to have a profound impact on the lives of parishioners, families, colleagues, and neighbors. He was instrumental in helping to create the popular “Live Jesus!” day of Salesian reflection which will celebrate its twentieth anniversary in 2025.

Fr. Dougherty's health issues necessitated a move to the Oblate Assisted Care Facility at Childs, MD in 2021. Family, parishioners, and former students continued to visit him, take him out for a meal, and share their gratitude for his presence in their lives. Fr. Doc often quoted his late mother, who taught him that “God has a purpose and plan for us at every stage and event of our lives.” Just as he had done in the classroom and in parish ministry for so many years, he continued to teach about how to live, how to grow old, and most of all, how to be faithful each day. We give thanks that God placed Fr. Bill Dougherty into our world and our lives, and we pray that the angels will lead him into eternal life.

Father Dougherty is survived by his Oblate community, his sister Susan Schneider, many nieces, nephews, former students, friends, and parishioners.

Arrangements:

The visitation for Fr. Dougherty will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Monday, July 15 at the Our Lady of Light Chapel in Childs, MD. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:15 AM.

Burial will be in the Oblate Cemetery at Childs. A light reception will follow.

Condolences may be sent to Bill’s sister:

Mrs. Susan Schneider
152 Liberty Drive
Bensalem, PA 19020