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Postal worker enjoyed 35-year career
John Dougherty
He already had a solid job at a local foundry and was making a good living. Mr. Dougherty, however, wanted more and saw the change as a great opportunity. It would turn into a fulfilling 35-year career.
Mr. Dougherty, of Aspinwall, a retired U.S. Postal Service worker, died Sunday, Jan. 4, 2003. He was 88.
"People told him he was making a mistake, but it may have turned out to be the best thing to ever happen to him," said his son, John Dougherty IV. "He really enjoyed the work, and he was very good at what he did. He liked the fact that he was doing something important."
Mr. Dougherty, who retired as a mail sorter in 1979, received numerous commendations for his work.
Mr. Dougherty grew up in Sharpsburg and attended Sharpsburg High School. When his father, a tax collector, developed severe arthritis, Mr. Dougherty sacrificed much of his time to care for his father.
"When his father's arthritis got bad and he couldn't walk, Dad would literally carry him around," his son said. "He would tell the story about the flood of '36. ... Dad remembered having to carry his father in and out of boats to get him around."
Mr. Dougherty began working for the postal service in 1943. He had a knack for the job and often exceeded the quotas placed on sorters. In addition to the commendations he received, Mr. Dougherty was credited with developing a number of ideas that the postal service adopted to increase efficiency.
After his retirement, Mr. Dougherty had time to indulge his love of sports. He spent much of his time playing golf, recording two holes-in-one over the years. Mr. Dougherty also enjoyed bowling, softball, swimming and playing poker.
"He was good at everything he did," his son said.
In addition to his son, Mr. Dougherty is survived by two grandsons, Daniel and David.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Georgette Cook Dougherty.
Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Weddell-Ajak Funeral Home, 100 Center Ave., Aspinwall. Services and interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to Forbes Hospice, 500 Finley St., Pittsburgh, PA 15206.
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