Francis Doherty

Francis J. Doherty passed away on May 19, 2017 peacefully at his home. Francis leaves behind a celebrated legacy as a lifelong resident of Waltham, Massachusetts. Known by many and loved by all, Francis was always ready with a quick joke and a story to share. Born and raised in Waltham as one of nine children to Bernard and Mary (Fahy) Doherty, Francis enlisted in the United States Army two days after his 17th birthday and retired at the age of 60 as a First Sergeant. His commitment to his country was far from over and in 2000, Francis was appointed as U.S Army Reserve Ambassador. As an Ambassador, he obtained the protocol rank of a two-star General traveling throughout the U.S as well as overseas attending ceremonies and events supporting the Army Reserve. In 2006, Francis was appointed Ambassador “Emeritus” to the Chief of the Army Reserve and was the first Ambassador to receive this title. Francis was committed to many roles within the City of Waltham serving as the Veterans Agent until 1994 and most recently as a member of the Board Of Health until 2017. Francis was an active member for many organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, the Association of the U.S. Army, the 4th Infantry Division as well as serving as the past president of the American Cancer Society for Waltham/Watertown. Francis met Jean Doherty at St. Charles School and together celebrated sixty-one years of marriage. He leaves behind their four children Waltham Police Officer (ret.) Donald Doherty of Waltham, Daniel Doherty of Boston, David Doherty of Bridgewater, Waltham Firefighter Kenneth Doherty of Malden; his son-in-law Dr. Gerald Izzi, daughter-in-law Debbie Doherty, daughter-in-law Cheryl Doherty, grandchildren Kerri Doherty & her fiancée Ian James, Sean Doherty, Michael & Emily Doherty, his little best friend “Coco” and many nieces and nephews. Francis is survived by his brother Joseph Doherty of Newton, his sister-in-law Peggy Doherty of Waltham and sister-in-law Grace Russo of Waltham. He was predeceased by his siblings, William Doherty, John Doherty, Mary Dodson, Winifred Doherty, Anne McHugh, Theresa McGrath and Bernard Doherty. Relatives & Friends are respectfully invited to attend Funeral Services in celebration of Fran's Life from the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody Street, WALTHAM on Wednesday morning May 24th at 9:00 a.m with a Mass Of Christian at Saint Charles Borromeo Church, 51 Hall Street, Waltham at 10:00 a.m. Interment with United States Army Military Honors will follow at the Newton Cemetery, 791 Walnut Street, Newton. Visiting Hours will be held in the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons on Tuesday May 23rd from 4 -8 pm. Parking attendants on duty. In lieu of Flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in Francis' memory to the New England Hemophilia Association, 347 Washington Street, Dedham, Ma. 02026.