Donald David Dougherty's Obituary
Donald David Dougherty Jr “Don”, was called home to Heaven, Sunday,
February 26, 2023. Don was born July 26, 1947 to Donald and Claire (Howard) Dougherty. He was the first of 7 children. He is predeceased by his Father Donald and sisters Janet Schell, Regina Oldham and Mother and Father in Laws Walter “Eddy” and Carmen Rabczak. He attended St. Mark’s Seminary and Gannon College, Erie PA, St Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore MD and Graduated From the University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. He was a Proud Veteran that served his country in the United States air Force and fought in the Vietnam War. Don came to Tampa and met the love of his life, Wife, Sharon (Rabczak) in 1969. Together, they decided to start a life together, and were married March 21, 1970. Together, they had daughters Karen Ruiz (Eddie), Heather Dougherty, And Jaclyn Dougherty. Don was the loving Grandfather “PePa” to Andrew Ruiz, Alyssa Ruiz (Max), Jordan Ruiz and Great-Grandfather to Audrey and Eliza Ruiz. In addition, he very much loved his bonus Grand-daughter Sasha Ramirez and Aunt Lucy Townsend. He is survived by his Wife, Children, Grandchildren, Great-grandchildren, Mother Claire and siblings Mary Claire Dougherty (Fred Brown), Joan Batdorf (Mike) ,Ann Therese Hatch (Bill), and Michael Dougherty. Don worked for the United States Postal Service from 1973, to his retirement in 2009. He was strong in his faith to God as a Catholic, and always looked for the good in everyone or situation he was met with. We will greatly miss his sense of humor, and his ability to try and make everyone laugh , even if it meant laughing at himself. His love for sports, especially his Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was unwavering. He never gave up on his favorite team. He good heartedly accepted all the teasing, even when it seemed he was their only fan. Don considered everyone he met a friend, and never turned his back on helping anyone. If he couldn’t do it, he would find a way. We will greatly miss his conversations and positive outlook. We will miss seeing him with a phone in one hand, a book in the other, basking in the sunlight or enjoying a swim in the pool, with his favorite dog Winston by his side. You were loved by many, until we see you again, you will forever live in our hearts
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