John Docherty III ’58

ohn W. “Jack”, “Doc” Docherty III, a long time resident of Millersville, MD passed away on February 11 at age 87. He was born January 11, 1936 to the late John W. Docherty Jr. and Helen N. Docherty in Somerville, NJ, where he attended the public schools. He played drums in Somerville High School’s Marching Band, Orchestra, Dance Band, and timpani in Concert Band. He also played timpani for NJ Regional and All State Bands and Orchestras. Jack attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and was a member of Omicron Kappa Epsilon, and played intramural sports and sang with them. During summer and Christmas vacations he worked for the Somerville Post Office. He graduated from Hope College in 1958 with a BA in Psychology. He then served in the U.S. Army and had duty stations in NJ, MA, Okinawa Japan, and MD. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service at Torri Station, Okinawa. He married Margaret I. “Peggy” Childs on June 1, 1963, and they resided in Greenbelt, MD before moving to Millersville. He was employed by the National Security Agency, Ft. Meade, MD, and held various security officer positions from 1962-1995, when he retired. He also worked as an usher for the Washington Redskins football team for 34 years at DC Stadium. Later he became a Redskins season ticket holder and attended games at FedEx Field, Landover, MD. Jack was a past member of the Indian Landing Boat Club, Millersville, and served on their Board of Governors. He was a member of the Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church and served for many years on their history committee. Jack enjoyed working in his yard and garden, and often shared extra vegetables with friends and neighbors. His yard had colorful flowering bushes and trees in springtime, and many flowers in the summer. In winter he often assisted neighbors by plowing their driveways after snow storms. He is survived by his wife Peggy to whom he was married for almost sixty years, a brother Bruce A. Docherty (Paula) of Oakon, VA, a sister-in-law Susan Docherty and nephew Wayne R. Docherty Jr. and niece Wendy Docherty all of Charlotte, NC, and a cousin Barbara Swider of Breckenridge, CO. He is predeceased by his son David Docherty, and brother Wayne R. Docherty.

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