Mr. William J. Dougherty Jr., 73, died peacefully at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana on September 30, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
Services are private. An open house to receive friends and family will take place on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from noon to 2 p.m. in the home of his sister, Karen Smith.
Born in Newark, NJ, Bill grew up in Newark, Verona and Bridgewater, New Jersey. He graduated from Bridgewater-Raritan High School with the Class of 1968 and served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, achieving the rank of Specialist 4th Class.
Bill received an honorable discharge from the Service and attended college for a short time until moving to Indianapolis. Afterwards, Bill spent several years living with his family in Verona on and off but was always drawn back to the friends he made in Indiana. He traveled around the country, making friends wherever he went.
He worked for many years driving taxis and trucks. Bill was always on the move but kept in constant contact with his family. As the oldest of six siblings, Bill loved hearing the updates of his nieces and nephews from his parents, brothers and sisters. He knew many of their interests and would send gifts from his travels.
Not only did Bill call his family on a regular basis, but always stayed in touch with the many friends he had made throughout the years. He enjoyed singing karaoke at local establishments, especially the one owned by his friend of many years, Shelly Viles. Bill helped many people along the way and several of whom helped him over the past few years.
He was predeceased by his parents, William J. and Jean S. (nee Clifford) Dougherty and brother-in-law, Jack Smith.
Bill is survived by his loving siblings, Karen Smith of Verona, Maureen Dougherty (Chuck Deeney) of Brick, Robert Dougherty (Lois) of Whippany, Patricia Dunaway (Jake) of Highbridge and Matthew Dougherty (Lora) of New Providence; and cherished nieces and nephews, Sean, Shannon, Cassidy, Michael, Christopher, Lisa, Linda, Dan, Luke, Kyle, Will and Maddy; and grand-nieces and grand-nephews, Cole, Olivia, Christopher, Ruby, Michael, Taso, Toula, Logan, Colin, Jack, Kieran, Celia and Emily.
Donations to the CICOA Foundation would be greatly appreciated. This agency provides many services for the aging in Indianapolis. Bill’s family is grateful to CICOA for all the services he received over the past few years allowing him to continue living independently:
CICOA Foundation
CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions
8440 Woodfield Crossing Blvd., Suite 175
Indianapolis, IN 46240-4359
Condolences and memories may be left at www.proutfuneralhome.com.
