Deacon Joseph “Joe” Doherty entered eternal life on March 30, 2026, in Bluffton, South Carolina.

He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 9, 1940, and lived a life defined by devotion, to his faith, to his beloved Jeanne, to his family, and to every community he touched. When he moved to Kingston in 1977, he quickly became a steady, compassionate community presence whose influence would ripple outward for decades.

Joe’s spiritual journey reached its most profound moment on June 1, 1996, when he was ordained a deacon at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral by Cardinal John O’Connor. He served for nearly 30 years with distinction, touching countless lives. His ministry was not a role but a calling, one he embraced with humility, strength, and a heart open to all.

His service as a chaplain for the New York State Department of Corrections began in 1997 and became one of the great missions of his life. Joe ministered at Ulster County, Shawangunk, and Eastern New York Correctional Facilities, where he offered compassion, dignity, and hope to those society often forgets.

A calling behind bars

Joe found joy, satisfaction, and passion for making a difference in inmates’ lives over the almost 25 years he worked for the Department of Corrections.

At St. Joseph’s Church in Kingston, Deacon Joe was a pillar of faith and leadership. He served as a Eucharistic minister, lector, member of the Liturgy Committee, and both chairman and co-chairman of the parish council. His presence was steady, prayerful, and deeply respected. Before entering ministry, Joe built a successful 28-year career at IBM, retiring in 1995 as a proud member of the Quarter Century Club. His work ethic, loyalty, and quiet determination were hallmarks of his character, qualities he carried into every chapter of his life.

Joe’s commitment to service extended far beyond the church walls. He was a passionate advocate for youth and community safety. He served as Cub Scout pack committee chairman, assistant scoutmaster, and Rip Van Winkle advancement chairman, earning the prestigious Bronze Pelican Award for his leadership.

A life of service

He also dedicated over two decades to the Stop DWI impact panel, served as a state safety hunter instructor, and completed two terms as vice president of the Morgan Hill Game Association.

Yet, for all his accomplishments, Joe’s greatest devotion was always to his family. His love story with Jeanne began in their childhood in Massachusetts and grew into a lifelong partnership rooted in faith, tenderness, and unwavering loyalty. He never remarried, always claiming he could never find anyone to replace Jeanne. Their bond was extraordinary, a model of commitment that shaped their home and inspired everyone who knew them.

Joe was a proud and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his children: Suzanne Doherty Jacobsen (husband Larry Jacobson) of Pembroke, Massachusetts; John (Jay) Doherty (wife Mary Doherty) of Beaufort, South Carolina; and Col. Kevin Doherty (wife Stacey Doherty), stationed in Aberdeen, Maryland.

Cherished by his family

His grandchildren, Katelyn, Meaghan, Brigette, and Quinn, and his great-grandchildren Joseph, Jameson, Jackson, and Emerson, were the lights of his life, each one cherished deeply.

Deacon Joseph “Joe” Doherty lived a life of purpose, compassion, dedication, and unwavering faith. He gave more than he took, served more than he was ever asked to, and loved with a fullness that will continue to echo through the generations he leaves behind. His legacy is one of service, humility, and profound devotion, to God, to Jeanne, to his family, and to every soul he encountered.

He will lie in repose at St. Joseph’s Church, 242 Wall St., Kingston, on Thursday, April 9, from 3-6 p.m. A wake service will be offered at 5:30 p.m. On Friday, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church. Interment will follow in Hurley Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Prison Apostolate at the Archdiocese of New York, 488 Madison Ave., 3rd Floor, NY 10022 (Att: Msgr. Marc Filacchione). 

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Robert Gaus of Traver & McCurry Funeral Home, Catskill.

May his memory be a blessing, and may the example of his life continue to shine brightly in all who knew him.