Michael Francis Dougherty

Michael Francis Dougherty, 57, passed away peacefully on October 13th after a two-year fight with cancer. Michael is survived by his wife, Corinne, and son, Sean and was a loving father and husband.

He was born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia where his mother, Kathleen, was a homemaker and his father, Frank, was a foot cop. As an only child, Michael enjoyed getting all the Christmas presents.

Attending Incarnation of Our Lord and Resurrection of Our Lord grade schools and Father Judge High School, Mike made good and lasting friends that he treasured throughout his life. He also sparked an interest in music that eventually became his passion.

Michael earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Masters of Business Administration from LaSalle University in Philadelphia. It was in a marketing class during graduate school that Michael met Corinne. He always reminded her that he got an A in that class and she got a B.

Married for 24 years, Chester County became their home. Michael loved the open green space and seclusion. Sean, now a senior in high school, is the miracle baby that blessed their lives. Mike loved being a dad and earned the designation: #1 dad and #2 gamer.

Recently retired, Michael worked for the Department of Defense – Defense Logistics Agency for 30 years. His final role was IT Program Manager. Mike was a technology geek through and through but truly appreciated and respected the expert colleagues he worked with. He built personal relationships with co-workers and many are still very connected today.

After his family, Mike’s passion was music. Like many in high school during the 70’s, classic rock stirred his soul. He started guitar lessons in high school with an old acoustic guitar and to try to amp it up put a microphone in the hole. The band called Pocket Change got together in college. While never playing a professional gig, Gary, Dobbs, Greg, and “Doc” had many jam sessions trying to perfect The Who.

Mike was also the roadie since his Plymouth Fury (aka the "Aircraft Carrier") was the only vehicle that could fit a drum set, massive bass amp, and the "cracker box" amp the singer was stuck using before the band could afford a PA system.

Forty years later, the band got back together. A little greyer and a little rounder, these lifelong friends have enjoyed playing together both in studio and local pubs. Mike spent his retirement days writing and publishing music with his 15 guitars and his basement recording studio.

Michael understood that who you are and the relationships you build are all you can take with you – and he excelled at both. Mike was a good man and his relationships while not broad were deep. We will all miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, Michael requests donations be made to Fox Chase Cancer Center or the American Cancer Society.


 

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