Francis J. Dougherty, 78, of Homosassa, FL, passed away on Monday, March 26, 2018. A native of Philadelphia, PA, he was born Jan. 16, 1940 to Francis and Anna (Frank) Dougherty, one of two children. Frank, as he was known to many, completed his undergraduate studies at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, earning a Bachelor’s degree; then completed graduate studies at University of Pennsylvania, where he earned Master’s degrees in both Electrical Engineering and Physics. Mr. Dougherty then embarked on a long career as an electrical engineer, culminating in his retirement from Raytheon Corp. in St. Petersburg, FL as Director of Electrical Engineering. He lived in the Clearwater/Madeira Beach area of Pinellas County, Florida for 36 years, and moved to Homosassa 12 years ago. Frank was a devout and faithful Catholic and current parishioner of St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church in Homosassa. He enjoyed boating, reading, gardening, working on the computer and also his weekly “Guys Afternoon Out” trips to The Shed in Homosassa. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Margaret “Peggy” Dougherty, Homosassa; son Paul Robert Dougherty (wife Karla), Bartlett, IL; daughters Colleen Ross (husband Dean), Boone, NC and Katie Dougherty, Roswell, GA; brother Joseph John Dougherty, Hatfield, PA; grandchildren Jake and Radley Ross, Boone, NC and Paul Robert Dougherty Jr., Bartlett, IL. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thurs., April 5, 2018 at St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church, Homosassa, Florida at 2:00 P.M. with Fr. Ronald Marecki, Celebrant. Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, FL. www.wilderfuneral.com
