Thomas M Dougherty

Thomas M. Dougherty, 83, passed away at Ruth McLain Hospice Home in Braintree from complications from cancer.

Tom was born to Thomas F. and Bertha Dougherty on October 11, 1941 as their first child, in Philadelphia, PA. He grew up and graduated from Drexel and LaSalle Universities with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. He began his career at Kodak until he met his future wife at a party in New York. He married Phyllis R. Minnekine August 14th 1965. They moved to Boston when Tom started his new job in Polaroid in Waltham, MA. They started a family with a son named Mark in May 1967. After about 2 years they found a new home in Chelmsford and gave birth to their daughter Michelle in December 1969. It was in this home they built a life together for nearly sixty years of marriage.

Tom and Phyllis did many things together including traveling many countries while meeting many great people that turned friends. He would also expect people to come over to see the thousands of photos he took while he was touring the world. Tom and Phyllis also became members of a committee that was organized in their new town, the Jaycees. This is where they made most of their friendships that lasted many years. Phyllis would also volunteer and make Tom assist with set up and break downs or handing out things. Tom also became involved in the local library helping them with the transition to computers at the time. Tom was also well known for his knowledge and trivia, especially during his annual Christmas Eve open house, where friends and family would look forward to his homemade prizes. Tom was also found watching his favorite sports teams, reading or painting when he could.

Tom and Phyllis decided to move closer to their daughter after Phyllis began to decline. They moved to the All American Assisted Living facility in Hanson and was able to remain together until Phyllis was not able to and was relocated to St. Joseph's Nursing Facility. Tom visited everyday and brought her gifts like wall signs and candy. When Phyllis passed in July 2024 Tom was living a relatively quiet life until he began symptoms in February and was admitted to the hospital. He spent many weeks in various places but when doctors were sure of his prognosis he was transferred to Ruth McLain Hospice Home where he was very well taken care of by the wonderful staff until he suddenly passed peacefully June 1st 2025.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Ruth McLain Hospice/ Old Colony Hospice or the American Cancer Society.