With sadness, but with faith in the Resurrection, the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales announced that Father William N. Dougherty, OSFS, passed away at the age of 87 July 6.
He was a professed member of the Oblates for 69 years and a priest for 59 years. A teacher, parochial vicar, formator and friend, Father Dougherty was a dedicated Oblate and priest.
Born in Philadelphia Dec. 23, 1936, Father Dougherty was the son of William Dougherty and Rose (Rechner) Dougherty. He attended St. Bernard Parish School and after graduating from Northeast Catholic High School in 1954, joined the Oblates, making his first profession of vows in 1955 and his perpetual profession in 1958.
He was an avid reader and lifelong learner who developed an uncanny expertise on a wide range of topics. He earned his bachelor’s degree in natural science from Niagara University, his bachelor’s degree and Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, and his master’s degree in French from Villanova University. His studies continued at DeChantal Hall in Lewiston, N.Y. Father Dougherty was ordained to the priesthood April 3, 1965, at the Church of San Michel in Fribourg by Bishop Louis-Severin Haller, abbot of the Monastery of St. Bernard.
Father Dougherty was a dedicated and transformative educator. As a seminarian, he taught chemistry at Salesian High School in Detroit and then at his alma mater, Northeast Catholic. Following ordination, he returned to North Catholic, where he taught French and Religion. He founded the “Quest” program that piloted individualized education. In 1973, he joined the faculty of Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria. Ever the innovator, he established the Personalized Education Program as the assistant principal for curriculum at Ireton from 1973-75. During this time, he also taught education courses at The Catholic University of America in Washington and Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.
In 1983, Father Dougherty was one of several Oblates to open St. Paul VI High School in Fairfax. At Paul VI, he was affectionately known as “Father Doc” and taught French, Latin and Religion. He also continued teaching Death and Dying, a class he had developed at Ireton that gave him the opportunity to discuss many issues related to life, loss and faith. One former student described Father Dougherty as “a brilliant and empathetic influence on so many young people.” While working in the school, Father Dougherty also served as religious superior of the Paul VI Oblate community. Throughout his years in education, Father Dougherty earned the admiration and loyalty of legions of students, many of whom maintained lifelong friendships with him. Over the years, Father Dougherty celebrated the marriages of many former students and ministered at the baptisms and funerals of countless family and friends.
After spending almost 30 years in secondary education, Father Dougherty transitioned into parish work serving as parochial vicar at St. John Neumann Church in Reston. In 1998, Father Dougherty joined the Oblate Formation Team in Washington, D.C., as he assumed the role of Novice Master for the North American Provinces, training seminarians and sharing his wisdom, spirit and sense of humor. In 2003, Father Dougherty returned to St. John Neumann, where he continued to have a profound impact on the lives of parishioners, families, colleagues and neighbors. He was instrumental in helping to create the popular “Live Jesus!” day of Salesian reflection which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025.
Father Dougherty’s health issues necessitated a move to the Oblate Assisted Care Facility at Childs, Md., in 2021. Family, parishioners, and former students continued to visit him, take him out for a meal, and share their gratitude for his presence in their lives. Father Dougherty often quoted his late mother, who taught him that “God has a purpose and plan for us at every stage and event of our lives.” Just as he had done in the classroom and in parish ministry for so many years, he continued to teach about how to live, grow old, and most of all, be faithful every day. The Oblates give thanks that God placed Father Dougherty into our world and our lives and they pray that the angels will lead him into eternal life.
Father Dougherty is survived by his Oblate community, his sister Susan Schneider, many nieces, nephews, former students, friends and parishioners.
The visitation for Father Dougherty will be held from 10-11 a.m. Monday, July 15, at Our Lady of Light Chapel in Childs, Md. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:15 a.m.
Burial will be in the Oblate Cemetery in Childs. A light reception will follow. Condolences may be sent to Father Dougherty’s sister: Mrs. Susan Schneider, 152 Liberty Drive Bensalem, PA 19020.
