Obituaries

Joseph T. Dougherty

January 22, 2021

Joseph T. Dougherty, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on January 22 at his home surrounded by his family. Joseph was born in Philadelphia and was the fourth and youngest child to Catherine (O’Neil) and Michael Dougherty. Joe’s formation in the Catholic Faith began while attending Holy Child in Philadelphia, PA. He then attended Dobbins Vocational School followed by enlistment in the Marine Corps in 1954. He received his GED and began a life-long career in the home furnishings industry, working in sales, marketing, management and consulting. He was married to Helen Fuscellaro until 1974. In 1976, he married Marjorie Chalfin. Joe was blessed with a blended family of 10 children, 16 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Joe received a calling from Jesus in the mid-1970’s while living in Florida where he fully embraced Christ. He was called to the Charismatic Renewal and assumed leadership roles there while also teaching religious education. Joe was an avid reader of theological texts as well as being a gifted writer.

In 1983 Joe moved his family to Lancaster where he taught religion, scripture, the Old Testament, and developed a Pro Life Committee at St. John Neumann’s Catholic Church. In 1986, he was professed as a secular Franciscan and in 1990 started a local secular Franciscan fraternity for the Lancaster area.

After Joe retired from sales in 2003, he drove a school bus for Manheim Township School District for 10 years and began traveling frequently to the Catholic Worker House in New York to serve others. Inspired by his experience and in accordance with his faith and religious calling, Joe began The Catholic Worker House of Lancaster in 2006. It was a major undertaking but at the age of 70, Joe was undaunted. The Catholic Worker House is a nonprofit ministry that helps the less fortunate of Lancaster City.

Joe’s impact on those he served at the Catholic Worker House as well as his many friends was deep and abiding. His faith and example, his compassion and generosity, his wisdom and humility, were valued by all who met him. He will be deeply missed.

Joe’s legacy and The Catholic Worker House of Lancaster will continue through the leadership of his daughter.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 from 6-7:45, at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA with a Franciscan Wake Service to be held from 7:45-8PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 10AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 119 S. Prince St., Lancaster, PA with a viewing at the church preceding the Mass from 9-10AM. The Mass will be livestreamed at 10AM via St. Mary’s website at stmaryslancaster.org Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Catholic Worker House of Lancaster, 1653 Lititz Pike, #233, Lancaster, PA 17603.

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Condolences to the Family

February 04, 2021

Dad i will miss you each and every day.Iam going to work on getting more of God in my life. Thank you for allowing me to spend the final hours with you. Iwillalways love you Dad your son Timothy

January 31, 2021

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. I have known your Dad it seems for most of my life being that I am Dan Zimmerman’s daughter. The relationship they had both professionally and personal was very special. My father valued the relationship very much! Joe was one of the good guys. I will remember him fondly and miss him dearly

January 28, 2021

I know that Mr. Dougherty was surrounded by love from all of you every day. So blessed to have known him and each one of you. Please know my heart is there with you and I will be watching from afar in Florida. May God’s love surround your entire family at this time. All my love and prayers, Liz

January 28, 2021

Joe had a dream for the Catholic Worker House to come to Lancaster and he saw it to fruition. His compassion and dedication were his way of evangelizing. He spoke with his actions more than with words. His physical presence will be missed but his work will endure.
Marti & Allan Pawlikowski

January 27, 2021

Greg, Tara, Josh and Ana. And all the rest of Joseph’s kids, I will be thinking about you all. Cannot be there in person due to COVID but I plan to watch virtually on Thursday. I think Kerry will be there to represent our family. Much love, Deirdre

January 27, 2021

Joe was a very special person. He was so dedicated to the Catholic Worker House. His commitment to the needy was very inspiring as well as his practicing of his Catholic faith. Condolences to his family.
Joseph Rizzo

January 27, 2021

Joe was a wonderful caring and giving man who devoted himself to serving others. He will be missed by all of his many friends and those whom he served so lovingly in Christ’s name.
Peggy and Al Schulz

January 27, 2021

There was a wonderful welcome in heaven for such a kind, warm, Christian man of God as Joe was. His genuine caring is a lasting memory to all who knew him. Rest now in the well-deserved Peace of Christ, Joe.
Joanne Lovell

January 27, 2021

Condolences to the family of such an inspired person, man husband, father, grand-father. I am so sorry for your great loss.
Ray Kline

January 25, 2021

Jo Ann and I wish to share our sorrow at Joe’s passing. He did a great amount of good, like the person he followed, who “Went about doing good”. What better could we say about any person. May he rest in eternal peace.
Dennis & Jo Ann McMahon

January 25, 2021

Joe was my neighbor through a building I bought and was renovating here in Lancaster. He was a very kind man and we quickly started talking as he and I ran into each other now and then while I was doing work on the property. He invited me and my wife and some of our friends to enjoy some of the amazing soup he and his team made. We enjoyed it a number of Saturdays and we saw people in the city line up for his ministry of food and friendly conversation. I was saddened to learn of his passing. We will miss him dearly but count ourselves fortunate to have know him if only for a little while.
John Roberts

January 25, 2021

The world has lost a beautiful soul but heaven has gained one- in Joe. Condolences & prayers for his family.

Rosa Mastromatteo

January 25, 2021

RIP Uncle Joe.
Peggy McIntyre Burntello

January 25, 2021

God bless Joe for his giving to god. May he rest in peace with Jesus in heaven. May his family be at peace.
George Garbrick

January 25, 2021

Our condolences to your entire family. He obviously was a caring , giving person.
Mike and Lynn McDermott

January 24, 2021

My heart goes out to all of you. I know he will be missed terribly. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Elise Teasdale

Visitation: Wednesday, January 27, 2021; 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory; 3110 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
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Visitation: Thursday, January 28, 2021; 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM; St. Mary’s Catholic Church; 119 S. Prince St; Lancaster, PA
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Services: Thursday, January 28, 2021; 10:00 AM; St. Mary’s Catholic Church; 119 S. Prince St; Lancaster, PA
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