John Francis "Doc" Doherty, PhD, 77, a resident of Poughkeepsie, New York, for 60 years, passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife at his side on February 9, 2025. Doc was born in New York City to John and Mary (Delaney) Doherty.  In addition to his wife, Kathleen (Hogan) Doherty, Doc is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Matt and Jessica Doherty and their children, Jade, Madeleine, Abiageal and Jackson Doherty.  He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Thomas and Kathleen (Katie) Doherty, Daniel and Leontine Doherty, and sister-in-law, Patricia Doherty (James Doherty, deceased), brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Thomas and Kimberly Hogan III, and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Hogan, as well as several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. He is pre-deceased by his daughter Kate.
Upon his graduation from Marist College in 1969, Doc joined the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department in 1970 and retired as Captain of Detectives after a 20 year career.  At this point in his life Doc returned to his beloved Marist College and went on to be an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and eventually served as Chair of the department. He retired from Marist after 28 years and often said he was very lucky to have two careers he absolutely loved. Most of all, he loved being with family and friends and left a lasting impression on all those fortunate enough to have known and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, Doc's family kindly suggests friends follow his daughter Kate's beautiful example and consider becoming an organ donor.  Contributions in memory of Doc may be made by check to the Kate Doherty Memorial Scholarship in Criminal Justice at Marist University, c/o Advancement Office, 3399 North Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 or online at mari.st/doherty.
Visitation will be Friday, February 14 from 3-7 p.m. at Parmele, Auchmoody and Schoonmaker Funeral Home, 110 Fulton Avenue, Poughkeepsie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, February 15th at 10 a.m., Church of the Holy Trinity, 775 Main Street, Poughkeepsie. Interment will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery. For directions and condolences, please https://www.hudsonvalleyfuneralhomes.com.