Robert “Bob†Dougherty, age 63, of Broomall, PA, passed away suddenly on March 26, 2022.Bob was incredibly loved by his adoring wife, Leslie (Mansfield), and two children, Christine (John) Reitano and Mary Kate (Rob) Coghlan. He was also cherished dearly by his two doting granddaughters, Maeve and Saoirse. He was the son of the late George Dougherty, Rita Cabry, and stepmother Alice, and the beloved nephew of Ann Mary (“Aunt Marâ€) Pedrazzani. He is also survived by his siblings, George (Arlene) Dougherty and Kelly Anne (Joe) Martina, as well as siblings-in-law James (Donna) Mansfield, Beth Mansfield, Victoria (Fran) Cardell, Scott (Stephanie) Mansfield, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother-in-law Steven (Diane) Mansfield.
Bob was born in Philadelphia and attended West Philadelphia Catholic High School, where he enjoyed playing football, and was very proud of his “Blue Ribbon†education. He then went on to become a master toolmaker and machinist, spending most of his career at The Philadelphia Inquirer, where he retired from in 2013.
Bob’s true passion in life was his family. He cherished time with his wife and daughters, but nothing compared to being with his two beautiful granddaughters who had him wrapped around their little fingers. When he wasn’t spending time with them, or avidly watching Philly sports, he was occupied by his secondary passion—working for the cause of a united Ireland, both here and abroad.
Bob is a beloved and renowned figure in the Irish community, both locally and internationally, for his many contributions to educating and advocating for their political freedoms. He first became involved with Irish organizations as a charter member of the Black Jack Kehoe Division of the A.O.H. in Delaware County. Bob held various offices, from Recording Secretary, Vice President, and eventually, President.
In 1991, he and his family hosted a child from the Irish Political Prisoner’s Children’s Holiday (IPPCH), and their first experience with the children stole his heart, enough to get him to become fully involved in the program. A decade later, he was their National Director, growing the program from three host families to hundreds across the country. His passion for this work stemmed from seeing the joy on all the children’s faces when they arrived in the States, and he touched thousands of lives through his involvement in the program.
For the past decade, Bob’s been passionately working to commemorate the heroes from the 1916 Irish Easter Rising, working to memorialize all those involved. Bob’s been honored through multiple organizations and outlets for his numerous contributions to the Irish community.
Bob loved to go on cruises with his wife and always looked forward to their annual family vacation to the Outer Banks, North Carolina. He loved to spend that time with his grandkids, watching the sun rise and set.
Regardless of how he was spending his time, Bob’s number one priority was doing things for others. He put the needs and happiness of others ahead of his own always, and he will always be remembered for his generous heart and selflessness. Bob will be deeply and dearly missed, but his spirit lives in on in the hearts of all of those he touched.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation, Friday April 1, 2022 9:30am St. Anastasia Church, 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073 and to his Funeral Mass 10:30am in the Church. Burial SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery. Contributions to Commodore John Barry Arts and Cultural Center, 6815 Emlen St., Phila., PA 19119.
