It's a Cold and It's a Broken....Hallelujah

There are so many memories, so many stories, so much history. A few weeks ago our beloved Tom Dougherty unexpectedly left this life and joined the choir of angels in heaven. There's an ache in our hearts that we know will only dull with the passage of time, and the faith in knowing that Tom is at peace.

The Doughertys have always been part of our extended family: on the fun side, we reference one another's blogs and get together for cocktails and some of Barbara's famous sausage, peppers and onions. But our friendship means so much more than that. I have many fond memories of spending time with Tom and Barbara. Tom always had a gentle way of teasing my dad, my sister and I...but mostly my dad. After any sarcastic comment came that sideways smile that encompassed you like a big hug from across the room, and you knew everything that he said was with love.

He was a man of few words...but meaningful ones. When Dom and I bought our first house, Tom sat with us to look at photos and share some advice. At the end of our conversation, he proclaimed "Hey...this is really special, really neat". Simple words from a complex man, and I still remember how warm it made me feel in my heart to have his support.

Watching my mom and dad grieve one of their closest friends continues to be a sobering and painful experience. Tom means so much to them, especially my dad. They mirrored one another in an appreciative way- the "man's man" and the "class clown"; theirs was a beautiful and complimentary friendship. Tom will be missed in such a real and tangible way for a very long time...every "first" without him noted...but we take solace in the wonderful memories, and the knowledge that our friendship with Barbara and her children will continue for years to come, and we will find comfort and support in one another. Please keep the Dougherty Family and all of Tom's loved ones in your prayers.

Thomas Edward Dougherty, 59, of Highlands, NJ, husband of Barbara Fleming Dougherty, and formerly of Lincroft, died Sunday, January 6. A graduate of Seton Hall University, Tom was a member of the Pershing Rifles. He was a lieutenant in the US Army serving in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot and was awarded the Bronze Star. A retired US Secret Service Agent, he was currently Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the US Food and Drug Administration. Tom was an active member of St. Agnes Catholic Church and belonged to the Vince Lombardi Chapter of the Knights of Columbus.Tom is predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Leona Dougherty, and his son, Thomas Dougherty III in 2007. Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara; their daughter, Katie Dougherty of St. Paul, MN; their son and daughter-in-law, James and Anne Dougherty of St. Paul, MN; their daughter-in-law, Andie Dougherty of Mt. Pleasant, SC; their grandchildren, Seamus, Finn and Mary Jeanne Dougherty of St. Paul, MN, and Connor Dougherty of Mt. Pleasant, SC; his sister and brother-in-law, Marion and John Dougherty of Bristol, VA; his brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Elizabeth Dougherty of Denville, NJ; and his brother and sister-in-law, John and Maureen Dougherty of Clark, NJ. Tom is also loved and will be missed by many friends and family members.