Richard M. Dougherty

"Belchertown -Richard M. Dougherty, Sr., 81, passed away on September 24, 2013 in Holyoke Medical Center. He was born in Chicopee, MA on September 7, 1932, the son of Matthew and Bertha (Niemiec) Dougherty. He has lived in Belchertown for over 35 years and resided with his daughter Rose in Westfield. Richard proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. After the war he enlisted with the Army reserves retiring in 1978, he also worked as a mechanic at Westover Air Reserve Base. He was a member of the American Legion post 438 in Fairview and the VFW in Belchertown. In his leisure, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He is survived by six children Victoria Mitchell and husband Scott of Chicopee, Richard Dougherty Jr. and wife Amanda of Chicopee, Martin Dougherty and wife Jean of Tolland, CT, Patricia Kunz and husband Kris of Vernon, CT, Catherine Berard and husband Paul of Westfield and Rose Marie Absous and husband Michel of Westfield. He will also be missed by two sisters Margaret Hedge of Chicopee and Kathleen Minor of South Hadley, 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Violet (Williams), son Matthew Dougherty and sister Patricia Kane. Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 27th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home, 646 Newton St. A funeral service will be held on Saturday in the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. followed by burial in Notre Dame Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Holyoke Soldiers Home, C/O Treasury Dept. 110 Cherry St., Holyoke MA 01040."