Obituaries

Edward J. Doherty

Edward J. Doherty of Riverhead died March 8. He was 83. 

He was born July 11, 1930 in Queens to Mary (Hennigan) and Patrick Doherty.

For 34 years, Mr. Doherty worked for Riverhead Central School District as supervisor of transportation. During this time, he had a fleet of about 100 drivers, many of whom said he was “strict and firm, but extremely fair.” He won an Art Shock award for Outstanding Safety within the school district and was in the New York Association of Pupil Transportation Hall of Fame. According to his daughter, Janet Doherty Dickerson. “Although he retired about 25 years ago, he is still mentioned to this day, within the department.”

Ms. Dickerson spoke of how her father was well-known and well-liked in the town of Riverhead. He was a tinkerer, always working with wood and fixing chairs for everyone. He also enjoyed cooking. She remarked how she was “honored to be his daughter.”

Mr. Doherty is predeceased by his wife Helen and is survived by his children, Irene Doherty of Stuart, Fla., Edward J. Jr of California, Mary Doherty Butler of Riverhead, Ms. Dickerson of Cutchogue, Thomas of Riverhead, Paul of Cutchogue and Stanley and ten grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors Tuesday and Wednesday, March 11 and 12, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. A funeral service will take place Thursday, March 13, at 9:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist R.C Church in Riverhead. Interment will take place at the church cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Riverhead Ambulance Corp.