John J Dougherty's Obituary
John “Jay” Dougherty passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at home after a long illness. Jay was born in Newark, NJ on April 5, 1961 to Mary and Robert Dougherty. Jay grew up in Irvington, NJ and graduated from Irvington High School. The last 25 years Jay called Hackettstown his home.
Jay served his country proudly with the United Marine Corps receiving an honorable discharge in 1984. He earned meritorious awards including a Rifle Expert Badge outshooting 32,000 other recruits.
For 30 years, Jay worked in the hospitality industry managing Boston Market and Perkins Restaurants. Most recently, he was employed by the United States Postal Service. Jay was an excellent cook and enjoyed making his family home cooked meals. He enjoyed gardening and spending time on his CB Radio using the handle “Blue Ox”.
Jay was predeceased by his parents Robert and Mary (Carfello) Dougherty. Survivors include his daughters Kathleen and Margaret Dougherty of Hackettstown, NJ and long-time companion Margaret Field. Jay is also survived by his former wife, Patricia Dougherty, cousins Liz Systo, Michael Maenza and Edie Selzer and brothers, Frank and Robert Dougherty.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and mandatory social distancing, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to be determined by his family. Please keep his family in your prayers during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations to Wounded Warrior Project in memory of Jay would be greatly appreciated (www.woundedwarriorproject.com).
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