Mr. Thomas F. Dougherty, age 84, of Pittsfield, passed Sept. 26, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. He was able to pass away in Peace and in the comfort of his own home which is what he always wanted. He was born in Pittsfield, June 24, 1933, the son of the late Francis M. and Hazel M. Bryant Dougherty.

Educated here, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy just prior to graduation. His late father accepted his diploma graduation day for the Class of 1951. After serving aboard ship as a cook, he returned to Pittsfield following his Honorable Discharge. Employed in food service, he began his career as a meat cutter at Harry's Supermarket and as well as meat sales for Wilson & Co.. He co-founded and operated Astro Beef, serving the needs of Berkshire County for 32 years at which time he retired from the business world but not from helping his friends and his community.

Of his many community efforts, he was well known for supporting with his time, talent and treasure, the St. Joseph's Church Food Pantry. This led him to participate with the Pittsfield wide Thanksgiving Angels Program there as well. Additionally, he spear headed the effort in the early 1990's to re-paint the Dome at PHS in gold which was the original appearance when it was constructed. The Dome for many years, was painted black due to the blackout policy during the World War II years. Additionally, he was persistent in collecting aluminum can tabs from Redemption Center, Churches, and other nonprofits including Soldier On. This effort benefited Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield.

His first wife of 37 years, the former Joanne E. Paige, died July 3, 1994. His second wife, the former Katherine E. Fera, died July 12, 2013.

He is survived by his four sons, Thomas J. Dougherty and his partner, Cathy Dobson, of Pittsfield, Robert D. Dougherty and his wife, Tracy, of Dalton, Ken J. Dougherty and his wife, Kara, of Dalton and Christopher F. Dougherty of Pittsfield, 2 sisters, Theresa Delphia of Springfield and Mary Frieri of Richmond, his 8 grandchildren, Thomas, Beth, Matt, Justin, Kyle, Robert, Brian and Amelia and his 3 great-grandchildren, Mya, Sienna and Kellan.

He was predeceased by his brother, James D. Dougherty and his sister, C. Joan Armstrong.

SERVICES: Dougherty, Thomas F., age 84, of Pittsfield, died Tuesday, Sept. 26th . Calling hours at the DEVANNY-CONDRON FUNERAL HOME will be SUNDAY, OCT. 1 st from 4 to 7 pm. Funeral services will be MONDAY morning at 8:15 am from the funeral home followed with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9:00 am at St. Joseph's Church with the Rev. Msgr. Michael A. Shershanovich, pastor, officiating. Burial will following with full military honors in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Joseph's Church Food Pantry in care of the funeral home.

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