William Thomas Dougherty

William Thomas Dougherty was born on Dec 3, 1932 and raised in Woodbury Heights, NJ. He was the 7th of 8 children of James and Viola Dougherty. Fondly called by many names, “Bill”, “Doc”, Husband, Dad, Pops, Grandpop, “Chief”; he fully lived many roles in our lives. Bill died on Dec 10, 2020 in his residence at Heartis of San Antonio with his family.

His beginnings were modest and as most of that time, the family had a garden and raised chickens. There were plenty of chores to be done. With a lake just down the street, Bill became an avid swimmer and even life guarded. He had an interest in horses and one summer worked in the Poconos as a horse handler. Another favorite pastime was roller skating. It was at the Delmar Roller Rink that he met his future bride and lifelong love, Rosemary Amand.

He married Rosemary on February 14, 1953. Together they travelled the world; loving each other passionately for 67 years. They raised 5 children: Peggy, Patricia, Billy, Dona and Danny. Family was so important to Bill and Rose that they made a point of returning to New Jersey often to visit relatives.

In High School, Bill joined the Naval Reserves. He joined the ranks of a long line of family members who served in the military. At age 17, he attempted to enlist in the Navy; but not having his high school diploma just yet – led him to the Air Force instead. This began an outstanding career of 29 years where he achieved the highest enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Bill served as a Security Policeman. He served with honor and was awarded the Bronze Star, and Meritorious Service medal for meritorious service in Vietnam. He adapted well to military life, assuming leadership roles and being recognized for his outstanding abilities. His attention to detail, compassionate leadership enhanced the lives of many. Bill honorably retired January 31, 1979.

Utilizing his management and security police background, Bill eased into the civilian world with various companies: Chief of Security, Rogers Cable Company; Regal Homes, Cudd Engineering, Bradley/McChesney Architectural Firm –where he supervised the building of many schools and post offices, and Boyer Construction.

Education was extremely important to Bill. He took advantage of the opportunities afforded him by the Air Force. Ultimately, he graduated from Woodbury Heights High School; was a graduate of the FBI Academy and many other college level classes.

Bill was a Charter member of the Air Force Security Police Association, Associate member of the Sheriff’s Association of Texas, and Veterans of Foreign War (VFW).

Bill was a man of faith having spent his life as an active Roman Catholic. In 1978, he and Rosemary became members of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Helotes, Tx. He quickly became an active member of the Knights of Columbus achieving the highest honor of 4th degree and Grand Knight. He used his talents as a construction manager and oversaw the building of the new church building. Bill and Rosemary were very active in the congregation. As a man of charity and compassion he was also an active member of the Alhambra.

Bill is survived by his wife, Rosemary; Children: Peggy (Mike Phillips), Patricia (Bill Adams), Dona Pecora, Danny; eight grandchildren, great granddaughter; brother, Joseph (Ruth); many nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his son, William “Billy”.

Bill will be missed terribly by many. We are grateful for the love and many gifts he shared with us during his time with us.

Bill was passionate about a variety of charities so in lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the following or one of your choosing: DAV (Disabled American Veterans), VFW Post 7108 (Helotes, TX), or Alzheimer’s Association