John Doherty Obituary

John P. Doherty, 84, of Millbury, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in the comfort of his home. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 33 years, Barbara J. (Juaire) Doherty, who passed in 2006.

He leaves his devoted children, Michael J. Doherty and wife Tho, of Millbury, Daniel J. Doherty and wife Maria, of Holden, and Kathleen S. Doherty and partner Jesse Garcia, of Millbury; two beloved grandchildren, Domenic and Anabella Doherty, of Holden; his loving partner, Irene Knipe and her family; his siblings, David Doherty and his wife Linda, and Nancy Doherty, all of Auburn; his brother-in-law, Edwin "Ed" Hatstat Sr. and late sister-in-law Carole Hatstat; as well as nephews, Edwin Hatstat, Jr. and wife Diane Hamric-Hatstat, David Hatstat, Jeffrey Doherty and wife Kristen; and a niece, Michelle Henderson and husband Scott. John was predeceased by his parents, William C. and Frances A. (Moore) Doherty.

John was born in Manchester, NH, and was raised in Auburn, Massachusetts. He graduated from Auburn High School in 1959, where he excelled in baseball, basketball, and was Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook. He went on to attend and graduate from Clark University in 1964, with a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics. In 1965, John entered the U.S. Air Force and served his country proudly as a Captain until his honorable discharge in 1969. He obtained a Master's degree in Education at Worcester State College, and began his teaching career. John taught at the Auburn Middle School for over thirty years, and was also on the Executive Board and the Negotiation Committee.

In his free time, John loved bowling, playing cards with friends, saltwater and freshwater fishing, hunting, vegetable gardening, and was an avid reader, as he loved Western and Mystery novels. He especially loved time spent on the Cape – camping at Nickerson State Park and taking in the sun at Nauset Beach in the summer months were a family favorite. After his retirement, John loved spending winters in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida.

He was a sports enthusiast, loving everything from little league to professional New England sports, and was a Past Commander of the Chester P. Tuttle American Legion Post, life member of the Auburn Elks and Century Sportsmens Club, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Auburn Men's Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans via https://www.dav.org/donate (please select the button that reads 'Yes, I would like to dedicate my gift' to honor John's memory).

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Doherty family between 5 – 7 PM on Monday, February 16, 2026 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn. Burial will be held privately at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon.