William E. Doherty

William E. Doherty, 77, of Johns Island, SC, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Thursday, September 19th in Walterboro, SC. Born on January 8, 1947, in Brooklyn, NY, William was a son of the late Helen (Hickey) Doherty and the late William J. Doherty. 

“Bill” was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He grew up in Middle Village, Queens, and attended St. John’s Prep and St. John’s University. He joined the Army and attended Officer Candidate School. He obtained the rank of 1st Lieutenant, served in combat in Vietnam, and received a Purple Heart. He worked for Pan American World Airways and travel became his passion. On one of his adventures, he met his wife Patty at the Pan Am Terminal at JFK Airport. They were married in 1971, and raised two wonderful children in Ocean County, NJ. 

Bill loved sharing his passions with others. He took his family to Broadway shows, museums, air shows, NY Giants home games, and exotic destinations around the globe. He’d often surprise his wife with a romantic getaway to Capri or Hawaii. He spent many weekends umpiring Little League baseball, golfing, and flying. He obtained his private pilot’s license and loved flying friends and family up the Hudson River Corridor or taking them on trips as far south as the Caribbean. In 2006, he moved with his wife to Kaua’i, Hawaii. He took people on tours of the island, sharing the Aloha spirit for over fifteen years. One of his favorite pastimes was sitting on his lanai, looking out on the pasture, listening to the chickens and feeding the goats. He loved sharing this experience with his grandchildren. He served as a volunteer at Wilcox Hospital in Lihue, putting smiles on the faces of everyone he encountered. Bill and Patty returned to the East Coast in 2021, settling in Charleston to be closer to family. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and dance recitals. He was also deeply philanthropic, often inspired by stories of people in need. He never forgot where he came from nor the people who helped him along the way. 

The last chapter of his life, although difficult, was made better by the compassionate and dedicated professionals at Veterans Victory House, who often commented on his kindness and sense of humor. His wife Patty was by his side almost every day. 

Bill was a lifetime member of the Delta Crown Room and the VFW. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Patricia Doherty, his children, Tara Hasenberg (Jason) of Johns Island, and Dennis Doherty (Mary) of Katy, Texas, and three grandchildren, Colin Doherty, and Caryn and Jenna Hasenberg. 

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brother and sister, two nephews, and a granddaughter, Leah Hasenberg. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 11, 2024, at Church of the Nativity, 1061 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412. The Rite of Committal, with Military Honors, will follow at 2:00 PM at Beaufort National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Veterans Victory House, the Parkinson’s Foundation, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.