Michael A. Dougherty

Michael Anthony Dougherty Mike, Doc, 56, of Bethlehem, PA, died suddenly on Friday, July 24, 2009 while on vacation with his wife Alaine at Table Rock Lake, MO. He had the good fortune of spending the last two weeks in the company of family. Michael was born October 14, 1952 in Philadelphia, PA to William Michael and Margaret Ann McDonough Dougherty. He attended Bethlehem Catholic High School in Bethlehem, PA, graduating in 1970. Michael was married to Alaine Marie Snyder Dougherty on May 22, 1976 at Philippe Park in Safety Harbor, FL. He was employed by the United States Postal Service for thirty years.

Michael received the U.S. Marine Corp Good Conduct Medal, U.S. Marine Corp Sharp Shooter Badge, Certificate of Participation for serving at the Presidential Inauguration of Richard Nixon, January 1973, and Certificate of Appreciation for his service to the Marine Corp, January 1974. Michael loved to ballroom dance with his wife Alaine. He was an avid sports lover as both a player and a coach. He practiced Tae Kwon Do and had just received his red belt with black stripe for Cho Dan Bo. He received the Miller/Keystone Blood Donor Award. Michael had 13 years of recovery on his side. He loved to spend time with family and friends. He served as a mentor to people of all ages. He was passionate about music and photography, especially when it came to documenting family events.

Michael is survived by his wife Alaine of Bethlehem, PA, son Ryan of Greencastle, PA, son Shawn of Land O' Lakes, FL, daughter Katie of San Francisco, CA, grandchildren Alexis and Micaela of Greencastle, PA, mother Margaret of Bethlehem, PA, sister Marie Silverman Gene of Coronado, CA, sister Cathy Baer Les of Bethlehem, PA, sister Peggy Liebold Chuck of Exton, PA, sister Terry Lawler Patrick of Cockeysville, MD, brother Brian Kelly of Bethlehem, PA, sister Eileen Turgeon Paul of Chicago, IL, sister Anne Gruver of Allentown, PA, sister Regina Jeffries of Bethlehem, PA, and 23 nieces and nephews. Michael is predeceased by his father William, February 26, 1990.

The service will be held at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. in Bethlehem, PA, on Saturday, August 1, 2009. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed immediately by a Celebration of Life service. A reception will follow. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Turning Point of Lehigh Valley, Inc., 444 E. Susquehanna St., Allentown, 18103, Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania 1337 E. 5th St., Bethlehem, 18015, or a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank the Clark family for their help especially Zelda, Melody, Penny, Jared, Terry, and Kevin.