Robert Doherty Obituary

I´m sorry to have learned of Mr. Doherty´s passing so late. But I still want to send my condolences to the family and let them know that this man was the teacher that influenced my life more than any other. He taught me life lessons that I used through my education and in business. My late sister, who was 11 years older than me, told me she had Mr. Doherty when I had him for American History. I then made the connection that my friend and classmate since 1st Grade, Mary, was his daughter. He was a great teacher and the world was a better place because of the lives he touched. I´m sorry for your loss, but he won´t be forgotten.
Class of 1975

Robert Doherty Family,
What an exceptional influence he was on us! I can still vividly remember his tall commanding presence in the hallway outside his corner 2nd floor classroom ('61-'65), as he almost directed the traffic. As we walked by he would simultaneously point his acknowledging finger and light up that giant smile to all he knew.

As a freshman, I was fortunate enough to have him as my teacher. And to this day, I still remember him taking me aside and delivering me his personal encouragement. I had so many wonderful people as teachers in those Leyden days; I am sure it has much to do with why I too will retire from teaching someday.

Thank you, Bob. And thank you to all your family, who undoubtedly understood that being a dedicated teacher brings some personal cost. Let me reassure you all that those times away from you, his immediate family, were also very meaningful to his family of "Eaglettes".

(I apologize for this late entry, though no less sincere.)

Alice & Family you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. How wonderful to spend all that retirement time together! You guys made the happiest looking couple! We pray that the Lord will comfort you on the loss of Bob, with his glorious presence and resurrection joy! We love you!

When I think of Bob Doherty, I will always think of the fabulous postcards and notes that would often arrive at our house. One glance at that unmistakable handwriting and I knew that my family would be treated to a great story, and profound and funny thoughts on life, people, and of course- being Irish. Your spirit lives on within all of us, Mr. Doherty. We love you.

The Doherty Family,

Our heartfelt sympathies on your loss. I remember Mr. Doherty foundly as a student and alumnist of East Leyden High School (Class of 1982). His compassion and generosity always seemed to make a dark day brighter.

May the memories of this good man and those he so caringly touched keep you warm during this difficult time.

God Bless...

Dear Mary and family,
Please accept our profound and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on the death of your dad. I know how much you will miss him.
I'm so sorry we were unable to attend the wake with Sandy, but our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We remember all of Sandy's high school friends with a great deal of fondness and happy memories.

Mary, Eileen and Bob,
Never had your father as a classroom teacher, but he was always there for me whenever I needed help for some reason at EL. Helped me too when Joe Thomas put me in charge of Schiller Park Pool…helped with the little kids while I coached you guys. Can see your dad standing over the lane cheering you on Bob. Last time I saw Bob was in a locker room a few months ago…at Gottlieb Fitness Center. A good friend… will be missed by many.

Mr. Doherty openned vistas when he inspired students to learn about American history. He taught with such great passion. He connected facts with context and made history live. My mother worked with his Kathleen in the Franklin Park grade schools. When my mom passed away just before Christmas in 2002, I received a very thoughtful letter from Mr. Doherty and it brought me great comfort. I only hope my words now bring some comfort to his family. All of you are in my prayers.

To

the Family of Mr. D, my 8th grade teacher-



It was 50 yrs that I knew Mr.

D. We wrote each other just a couple yrs ago. He was one of my 2 great teachers. He taught more than just english and American history; he taught life. He taught us to love our country and be concerned citizens.

The world is a better place because he lived. May the Lord be with you.

Doherty Family ~ We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We always enjoyed talking with "Uncle Bob" during family birthday parties and listening to him play the piano. He was a dear man that will be greatly missed.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
The Elkins Family

My condolences to the family of Bob Doherty. I have fond memories going back to Franklin Park Grade School, where he was my seventh grade American History teacher. I had no idea that history could be made alive in such an interesting way. I will always value lessons learned from him.

He was an inspiration to all of us as how to live life-with a joy that you could see all over his face. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family members.

Alice: we are so sorry for your great loss. We know he will be missed not only by his family, but anyone he ever taught. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. Love Lorraine and Bill Podrazik.

Our paths only crossed for a very short time (trip to Fatima earlier this year), yet I shall not forget his warmth, his kindness, his smile, and how he could bring a smile to others. Alice and family my prayers go out to you.

I was in Mr. Doherty's classroom when John F. Kennedy was killed. Some of my fondest memories of high school are of Mr. Doherty and his passion for knowledge. I know he inspired many, many students.

Dear Mary and family,
I have such fond memories of your Dad, even before our years at Tri-Delts. He was such a warm and friendly person, always making you feel welcome. My thoughts are with you during this time. I am not in Chicago any more, so I can not come to the visitation, but hope our paths will cross again in the future.

How strange life can be...I was just reminiscing about East Leyden and Mr. Doherty to a friend recently. I am saddened by his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Mr. Doherty was very passionate when he taught, he always captivated his classroom!
Sincerely,
Nancy Ciccone-Center
ELHS class of 1981

Dear Bob and the entire Doherty Family,
We were so sorry to hear about the sudden loss of your cherished father. We know how much he will be missed! Our prayers our with your entire family.
Love, The Dress Family

Dear Alice and Family: It was truly a joy having Bob as my brother-in-law for the past 10 years. He had a smile that could warm your heart. His kindness, throughtfulness, and concern for others have been such an inspiration to me. Now he will be watching out for all of you with God by his side.

Love,

Therese McClowry

Dear Bob and Family:

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family at this very sad time.

Our deepest sympathy,
The Ostergreen Family

Dear Alice, Kathy, Peter, & Tom--
I am so sorry for your loss, and our family's loss of a great guy.
He was a great husband, and brother-in-law. Please know that I, and the other members of our family, are here for you, and will pray for you.

I met Bob and Alice in Jan/Feb when we were on pilgrimage to Fatima......he was a lovely and loving person and a very devout Christian.....he will be missed by all who knew him....it was a privilege for me......God Speed, Bob

Dear Alice and Doherty Family,
May happy memories of Bob carry you through this sorrowful time. Our thoughts are with you.
Love,

Mr. Doherty was one of my favorite teachers at East Leyden, and we kept in contact for many years. The last time I spoke with him was by phone in 2000. His personality and his teaching were a great inspiration to me personally and academically, and I consider him one of my most significant and beloved mentors. When I was still at Leyden, we used to talk about many things. Mr. Doherty wrote in my 1965 yearbook, "All I know about dispensationalism I've learned from you, and that's for sure!" I myself have now been a teacher for over thirty years. We have truly lost one of our great educators and a warm, loving man. I mourn for him and will miss him.

Ken Morgan
Class of 1965
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