Obituary of Edward K. Dougherty
Edward K. Dougherty, 85, of Collegeville, PA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5, 2025, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family.
He was born in Aliquippa, PA on May 27, 1940, the son of the late Kenneth Dougherty and Violet (Fisher) Rumancik.
Ed proudly served in the U.S. Army following high school. On return from service, Ed pursued the time-honored Pittsburgh tradition and became a steelworker at J&L Steel. Ed later attended Pennsylvania State University, graduating as a first-generation college student. As a Penn State student, he co-founded the Veteran’s Club to support military veterans enrolled at the university.
Ed enjoyed a long and successful career in sales and sales leadership following graduation from Penn State. He went on to become an accomplished small business owner in the information technology industry for over twenty-five years.
In retirement, Ed loved golf and was a prominent figure at The Club at Shannondell where he volunteered on the golf course for over twenty years.
Throughout his life, Ed was an avid boater and fisherman. His boat, aptly named Obsession, was homeported in Ocean City, New Jersey where the family spent time together in the summer. Ed was an accomplished mariner and earned his Charterboat Captain License.
Ed was the consummate Irishman. He was gregarious, loving, well liked and made friends anywhere he went. Whether fishing, playing golf or any other endeavor, Ed was known to tell a good story — sometimes with an embellished detail or two.
He was a fierce advocate and champion of those close to him. Ed was a man who deeply loved his family, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Wawa Diet Coke (Fountain) and, of course, the legendary “Aliquippa Sausage” from Cessina’s Sausage in Aliquippa. He liked to cook and spend time with family.
Ed’s most defining achievement is his family. He married the love of his life, Patricia, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage. Their first date was at Kennywood Amusement Park in Pittsburgh, PA, a place to which they would often return to celebrate their union. They have four children and two grandchildren.
Ed is survived by his wife, Patricia Dougherty (née Dean); three sons, Sean Dougherty of Port Charlotte, FL, Dan (Michele) Dougherty of Sebastian, FL, and Kevin (Erika) Dougherty of Ardmore, PA; daughter, Kate Dougherty of King of Prussia, PA; sister, Margery Ditka; two grandchildren, Skye Falciani and Emmett Dougherty; and Bella, the family’s beloved dog.
Family and friends may call on Saturday, November 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home in East Norriton. A memorial service will follow from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to a memorial lunch and Celebration of Life afterwards at 12 p.m. at Chadwick’s Restaurant and Bar within The Club at Shannondell (2750 Egypt Road, Audubon, PA 19403).
Arrangements by Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 19 East Germantown Pike, East Norriton, PA 19401, (610) 277-1600