U.S. Navy veteran of Korean Conflict

Published March 21, 2019

CHARLESTOWN — Richard A. “Ditso” Doherty, a lifelong resident of Charlestown, entered into eternal life on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at his home in Charlestown. He was 85 years of age.

Richie was born in Boston on December 4, 1933, a son of the late Joseph M. and Loretta (Ebsary) Doherty. He grew up in Charlestown where he was educated in the Boston Public School System. Richie enlisted into the United States Navy on June 30, 1951 and served his country faithfully and with courage during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged on September 30, 1954 with the rank of Boatswains Mate.

Richie worked for Revere Sugar Refinery in Charlestown for 20 years before working for the City of Boston as a Building Inspector for 10 years. He was a proud Longshoreman, working on the Boston waterfront for over 11 years and was a member of the International Longshoreman’s Association Local # 799. He was also a member of the Halligan Club in Charlestown.

Richie was the beloved husband of 57 years to Mary J. (O’Donnell) Doherty. He was the devoted father of Richard G. Doherty and Coleen Dennett; Boston Fire Department Deputy Chief Michael Doherty and his wife, Jo Ann; Maryellen (Doherty) Cotter and her husband, Cambridge Fire Department Deputy Chief John Cotter; and John Doherty and his wife, Theresa. He was the loving Papa to Kellianne, Michael Jr., Jillian, Timmy, Colin, Sharon, John Jr., Ronan, Patrick, Fiona, John and Isla. He was the beloved brother of Loretta (Doherty) Durkin, Anne Marie (Doherty) Richardson, and Norman Doherty, and the late Joseph Doherty, John “Jackie” Doherty and Theodore “Teddy” Doherty. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, including Jeanne M. Dixon and her husband Dan of North Reading, and Maureen G. Doherty, editor of the Transcript.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Richie’s funeral on Friday, March 22, 2019 at 9 a.m. from the Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St., Charlestown, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Francis De Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St., Charlestown at 10 a.m. His burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, March 21, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Richie’s name to The Charlestown Boys & Girls Club, 15 Green St., Charlestown, MA 02129.