Bernard Doherty

Bernard “Barney” J. Doherty, 84, of Manchester, NH, formerly of Quincy, MA, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2024, with his wife of 57 years, Lois (Villa) Doherty, by his side. Barney lived a long and rewarding life highlighted by his love and dedication to family, friends, and service to his country. 

Barney was born on September 30, 1940, in Dorchester, MA, to Neil and Sadie (Harkins) Doherty. Barney grew up on Minot Street with his nine siblings, and was a graduate of Cathedral High School and Suffolk University. He worked as an accountant and real estate manager for multiple companies including John Hancock and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Barney was most proud of his service in the U.S. Army. He served in the Honor Guard at Arlington National Cemetery where he and his regiment attended to graveside burials for our nation’s fallen heroes. His regiment was charged with ensuring that each and every service member’s funeral was executed with the utmost dignity and respect. Barney also attended to First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy at the inaugural balls during John F. Kennedy’s inauguration. After his service, he continued the traditions of the Honor Guard marching in many a Memorial Day parade with the John P. McKeon AmVets Post. 

Barney loved Boston sports, particularly the Boston Bruins. He was a season ticket holder during the Bobby Orr era and took Lois to a game on their first date. He loved to play golf and was an avid reader of historical non-fiction. What he loved most though, was spending time with his five, amazing grandchildren. He was a fixture in the stands at just about every one of their track meets, basketball games, gymnastics competitions, concerts, and plays. He was their biggest supporter. He cherished the times when they were all together and looked forward to reading “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” to them each Christmas Eve. 

Barney was an adoring and doting husband to Lois. He was the beloved and proud father of Kerry Reddington and her husband, Shawn, of North Reading, MA and Brian and his wife, Megan, also of Manchester. Above all, he cherished his role as the Papa to his grandchildren, Fiona, Kevin and Keira Doherty and Andrew and Catherine Reddington. 

He is survived by his siblings Claire Stanton of Braintree, MA, Frances O’Toole and her husband Robert of Milton, MA, and Paul Doherty and his wife, Patsy, of Southport, N.C.; his sisters-in-law, Carol Doherty of Milton, MA, and Ann Sherry of Glastonbury, CT; and many beloved nieces and nephews. 

Barney was predeceased by his siblings Edward Doherty, Ann Hanwell, Neil Doherty, Helen Lee, Mary Pipia, and Catherine Donovan; and his brothers-in-law James Sherry, brother to Lois, and Albert Hanwell, Thomas Lee, Joseph Stanton, and William Donovan. 

The family is eternally grateful to his cardiologist, Dr. Stephen Hanlon, whose care enabled Barney to enjoy extended quality time with his family; and to the staff of Community Hospice House of Merrimack, NH, who provided compassionate care at the end of Barney’s life journey.

ARRANGEMENTS: A Funeral Mass celebrating Barney’s life will be held at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 190 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford, New Hampshire, on Monday, November 4th at 10 a.m. Inurnment will be at a later date at a military cemetery. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Manchester. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Wounded Warriors (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ ) or Home For Our Troops (www.hfotusa.org) where you can direct a donation to specific home projects including current projects for veterans in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. 

To view Bernard's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net.