Published in the September 21, 2018 edition
MELROSE — John J. Doherty, 59, of Melrose, passed away on Thursday, September 13, 2018 surrounded by loved ones at Massachusetts General Hospital after being involved in a tragic accident.
He will be sadly missed by his family. He was the beloved husband to his wife Carol (Marlun) Carpenter Doherty. He was the loving father to Christopher J. Carpenter and his wife Fallon Carpenter of Reading, Michael J. Carpenter and his wife Jennifer Carpenter of Reading and John J. Doherty Jr. of Melrose, and his grandson (and best bud) Benjamin J. Carpenter of Reading. Caring brother of Frank LeBlanc and his wife Patricia LeBlanc of Billerica, Sarah Haught of Wilmington and Mary Karimi and her husband Roy of Gaithersburg, Md. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, coworkers, neighbors and friends.
Born and raised in Charlestown on June 4, 1959, he was the son of the late John Doherty and the late Elizabeth (Harkins) Doherty. He had been a resident of Melrose for over 30 years and was the Division Foreman of Parks and Forestry within the Department of Public Works.
John enjoyed fishing, boating, ATV’ing, riding his motorcycle and was an avid outdoorsman. He loved spending time with his family at their cottage in Shapleigh, Maine on Granny Kent Pond. John loved a good bargain, penny-pinching and haggling for great deals. Christmas was his favorite holiday and was a massive fan of Christmas music – there wasn’t a Bing Crosby classic that he didn’t like. His most recent favorite pastime was spending as much time as possible with his grandson Benjamin who lit up his world.
Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home at 70 West Foster Street in Melrose on Tuesday, September 18. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Most Blessed Sacrament Church at 1155 Main Street in Wakefield on Wednesday, September 19. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend.
John was very passionate about the annual DPW Day held for the children Melrose. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the John J. Doherty Fund, c/o Melrose Bank at 638 Main Street, Melrose, MA 02176 to continue the enhancement of the children’s experience during that day every year. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com
