Thomas F. Dougherty passed away unexpectedly Sunday, August 5, 2018 at the age of 75.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Fredric and Marion Dougherty. He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Victoria; his in-laws, Wilbert and Lorraine Haase; sisters, Marilyn (John) Walker and Suzanne Dougherty (Bobbi Blair); daughters, Colleen (Paul) Collins and Kristen (Tim) Healy; and loving grandchildren, William, Zachary, and Ryan Collins and Lorraine Elizabeth, Olivia, and Roarke Healy, along with Molly, his beloved yellow lab.
Tom was born June 15, 1943 in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Shaker Heights High School and graduated from Ripon College in Wisconsin as a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Tom earned an MBA from Emory University and served in the United States Air Force, being awarded a Bronze Star for his service during the Vietnam War. Upon completion of his service in the USAF, Tom returned to Cleveland and spent 16 years at the "Big and Friendly," National City Bank, starting as a teller and rising to positions of increasing responsibility in management. After his time at NCB, Tom founded his own private equity firm and embarked on a new chapter as an investor and entrepreneur. Work was one of his passions and he remained active in many businesses, served on numerous boards and, most important to him, mentored, counseled and advised many in the Cleveland business community.
Tom was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend. He enjoyed spending time at his home in Amelia Island, Fla. and loved to golf. He had a lifelong love of flying, maintained his pilot license and was an avid historian with great pride and love for this country. Tom was also an ardent Cleveland sports fan, especially reveling in the success of the Cleveland Indians. He took the utmost pride in following all his grandchildren’s endeavors. He was a fiercely independent individual and his unique qualities will forever live in our hearts.
Tom's life will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Mayfield Country Club, 1545 Sheridan Road, South Euclid, Ohio.
Donations in his name may be made to Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland at 2507 E. 22nd St., Cleveland, Ohio 44115, and Patriot Paws (service dogs for veterans ) at patriotpaws.org.
Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home