Korean War veteran
Published January 8, 2020
WAKEFIELD – Herold Frances Doherty, 89,of Wakefield passed away on January 3, 2020. He was eight days short of his 90th birthday. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Bernice (Benjamin) Doherty, a brother, John Benjamin Doherty, and a sister, Ruth Stafford. Herold was also predeceased by his first wife, Kathleen Doherty, and infant child, and his second, Mary Ann (Voveris) Doherty. He is survived by two nieces, Patricia Warner and Lynda Caporellie, and two nephews, Lawrence and John Stafford; as well as a number of grand-nieces and nephews. Close friends include Diane and Tommy Lynch, Linell and Michael Nester.
Herold was born in Woburn in 1930. He graduated from St. Charles School in Woburn in 1947 and entered the Navy, where he served in submarines and on board the battleship, U.S.S. Wisconsin. Upon discharge in 1952, Herold entered the University of Alabama as a scholarship student. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in Statistics and went on to attain his master’s degree in the same field. He stayed on as a faculty member, teaching in the statistics department.
Returning to Massachusetts was always a goal for Herold and he was to serve the Commonwealth as director of statistical analysis and research for the Mass Dept. of Public Assistance, for 35 years. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the redesign and development of many of the programs that continue to this day.
Herold had many interests and pursuits including history, travel, and good food. He served as a volunteer guide for the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, where he was a longtime supporter. Herold was also very active in First Parish Congregational Church of Wakefield. He held a number of posts, including treasurer, and was a past member of the board of trustees.
Herold enjoyed people and was easy to like, a true gentleman of the old school. He would do anything for those he called friends, and there were many. When he couldn’t travel anymore, he made calls and sent cards. He mostly worried about others. Herold always considered himself lucky to be living where he did and be surrounded by what he referred to as “good people.” If you did the slightest favor for him, there was immense appreciation and thanks. Each day was a gift to be treasured and used. Herold loved life, the University of Alabama football team, and grits for breakfast; all in varying proportions, depending on the time of year. There are very few like Herold, and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Herold’s funeral service will be held at the First Parish Congregational Church, 1 Church St., Wakefield on Saturday January 11 at 11 a.m. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the church prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. Interment, Forest Glade Cemetery, Wakefield.
