Obituary of Edward Joseph Dougherty, III
Edward J. Dougherty, III, 82, of Boothwyn, PA, a loving husband, devoted father, cherished brother, uncle, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Born on October 13, 1943, to Edward J. Dougherty, Jr. and Lynn (Foulkrod) Dougherty, Ed was the oldest of four children. He was raised in East Lansdowne and Darby, PA, and spent the last 17 years in Boothwyn, having previously lived in Sharon Hill, where he raised his family.
Ed was a proud graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School, Class of 1961. During his time there, he performed and sang in school productions, often traveling to other schools for performances—including West Catholic High School for Girls, where, unbeknownst to him at the time, his future wife was in the audience.
Following high school, Ed enlisted in the Air National Guard, where he learned electrical engineering. He put these skills to use throughout his career, working for several companies, including Langston Corporation, which allowed him to travel extensively across the United States and Europe. In his later years, he worked as a salesman for Advent Electric until his retirement in 2017.
On April 19, 1969, Ed married the love of his life, Catherine M. Richards. Together, they shared a beautiful life and raised five children.
Ed was known for his love of playing the banjo, singing Irish songs, and telling Irish jokes—always complete with an accent. He had a deep appreciation for classic movies and treasured time spent playing board games with his children and grandchildren. A loyal Philadelphia sports fan, he especially loved the Phillies. Ed and Catherine rarely missed their grandchildren's sporting events, and he most enjoyed creating memories with his large extended family. He also delighted in frequent casino trips with his wife and siblings.
He is survived by his sons, Sean (Michele) and Michael (Chris); his daughters, Karen Murray (Peter) and Meghan Saulin (formerly married to Robert Saulin); his grandchildren, Matthew, Brendan, Robert, Michael, Daniel, Isabelle, and Wren; his sister, Barbara Pinnelli; his brother, Robert Dougherty; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine; his parents, Edward Jr. and Lynn Dougherty; his son, Steven Dougherty; and his sister, Marguerite "Peggy" Keyser.
Family and friends are invited to attend his visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 30, at St. John Fisher Church, 4225 Chichester Avenue, Boothwyn, PA. A Funeral Mass will follow. Interment will be private. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com.
