Jerry Dougherty
April 20, 1935 ~ February 22, 2019
Gerald J. Dougherty, Sr., 83, of Cedar Rapids, died February 22, 2019, from a sudden stroke. Private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon.
Surviving are his children, Gerald Dougherty, Jr. of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Edward (Lisa) Dougherty of Lisbon, Iowa, Kevin (Barbara) Dougherty of Medford, New Jersey, Deborah (Joe) Fitzgerald of Coral Springs, Florida, and Denyse (David) Petri of Stewart, Florida; grandchildren, Dianna (Teddy) Diaz, Sean and Lila Dougherty, Jayson, and Timothy Dougherty, Liam and Jillian Fitzgerald, and Dylan Petri; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings, Edward Dougherty, Marion Thomas, Betty Kelly, John Dougherty, Patricia Gould, James (Fran) Dougherty, Kathleen (Frank) Quinn, and Thomas (Barbara) Dougherty; sister-in-law, Lori Hernandez; and thirty one nieces and nephews.
Gerald Joseph was born April 20, 1935, in Bronx, New York, the son of James and Mary Ellen (Finan) Doherty. After high school graduation, he served his country in the United States Airforce stationed in Libya, North Africa. Jerry married Ofelia 'Ruby' Hernandez in Bronx, New York on August 26, 1961. They raised a wonderful, fun loving, family together until her death in 2003.
Jerry was passionate about feeding the poor, volunteering time and energy to the cause, through his church food ministry. He retired from United Parcel Service after 30 years. Ever the tease, Jerry enjoyed going to the casino or playing bingo, bird and animal watching, and especially, eating sweets.
He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Ruby; sister, Helen Dougherty; brothers and sisters-in-law, Florence Dougherty, John Thomas, Patrick Kelly, Millie Dougherty, Connie Dougherty, Bill Gould, and Toni Dougherty; and Yorkshire Terrier, Bear.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to your local food bank or to Food for the Poor.
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A beautiful tribute to Uncle Jerry! I will always remember with fondness both he and Aunt Ruby. I do remember being their flower girl in their wedding. Uncle Jerry was always so much fun and Aunt Ruby was just so sweet and loving. My heartfelt condolences to my cousins and their spouses and children. Aunt Ruby and Uncle Jerry left a beautiful legacy… their loving and close family. ❤️
RIP Gerry, love and prayers to all. Tommy and Pat
Missing you so much dad!!!! I love you!
A couple of photos from a trip to Lac du Flamebeau, WI (Sambo’s Lake House), Picture of Jerry in ‘Stay Cool’ tee-shirt. Family photo from family reunion Fripp Island, this is at Beaufort Inn, SC
Photos of Jerry/Ruby’s wedding and his 4 years with our family.
Thinking of you daddy!
Happy St. Patrick’s day! Wish you and mommy were here with us! ☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘ May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. And rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand. ☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘
Beautiful
Happy St. Patrick’s Day Dad & Mom, may this Green Candle always show our love to you.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day. “May joy and peace surround you, Contentment latch your door, And happiness be with you now, And bless you evermore.” And as they say in Ireland,”Two shorten the road”. You’re with Mom now on your journey to Heaven. Love, Kevin, Barbara, Jayson and Timmy.