Hugh Patrick Dougherty, cherished family, friends
Hugh Patrick Dougherty, 83, of Lewes, passed away Thursday, June 16, 2022. He was born March 20, 1939, in Wilmington, son of the late Francis Dougherty and Helen (Harrity) Dougherty.
Hugh was a proud 1957 graduate of Salesianum High School, proud of his Irish heritage, and of his Browntown roots. After graduating from Sallies, Hugh and his cousin George Klein moved to New York City to work for brokerage houses.
He moved to Philadelphia before coming back to Delaware and becoming a sheet metal worker with Local 19. Hugh worked his way up to foreman before retiring in 1998 after a 30-year career. He also owned Hughie D’s on Union Street and could be counted on to serve up a beer and a joke. When living in Wilmington, Hugh was a member of St. Anthony’s Club and Prince of Piedmont. Later, he became a member of American Legion Post 5 and VFW Auxiliary Post 7447 in Rehoboth Beach.
Hugh had many and varied interests and hobbies. Sports were an important part of Hugh’s life (and subsequently the whole family!) whether it was the years he spent as a pitcher playing on slow pitch teams (better known as Slip), or watching football with his many, many friends. He was unbelievably funny and loved Susan immensely. Hugh was a wonderful dad, proud grandfather, great-grandfather, and loyal friend. He was larger than life. Spending time with those he held most dear was what Hugh cherished most. Loved by many, he will be deeply and genuinely missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Hugh was preceded in death by his brother, Francis X. Dougherty. He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan; his daughters: Kelly (James) Bruck and Kimberly (Robert) Becker; his stepchildren: Casey Biddle, Kari Biddle Gregg, Nicole (Paul) Frese; his grandchildren: Caty (Guy) Cherkesky, Olivia Bruck, Henry Becker, Marra Becker and Bella Biddle; his great-granddaughter, Vivian Chapman; his brother, James “Doc” Dougherty; and his sister, Anna May Schneider.
In honor of his love for Wilson and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Delaware Humane Association, Delawarehumane.org.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 30, at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m.
All who cannot attend in person are invited to join the services via livestream by visiting the following link: parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/10549997/LTWebcast.
Visit Hugh’s Life Memorial webpage and sign the online guest book at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
