William M. Dougherty

William (Bill) M. Dougherty of Doylestown, PA, passed away peacefully, in his sleep, in the late evening of Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

He was the loving husband of Elisabeth M. Dougherty (Gerhardi).

Born February 4, 1946 in Atlantic City, NJ, he was the son of the late Emerson C. and Helen H. Dougherty (Reed).

William grew up in Pleasantville, NJ and was a graduate of Pleasantville High School and later graduated with a BS degree in Biology from Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture; (now Delaware Valley University, DVU). It was due to the unique education at DVC, applied education & “science with practice”, while Bill was a student, that he discovered his professional passion of hematology. Following graduation, Bill went on to work in the Department of Hematology at Temple University Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, where he met the love of his life, Elisabeth M. Gerhardi. Bill continued his work in hematology, working part-time at Doylestown Hospital for nearly 20 years, and full-time for several medical diagnostics companies in various managerial & executive capacities, in R&D, marketing, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs. In addition to his professional positions, he also found time to author and co-author several medical reference and textbooks, as well as standards that are currently utilized by clinical laboratories and medical diagnostic manufacturers.

Since his retirement, and relocation back to Doylestown, PA, he became a very active member of the Alumni Association and volunteer at his alma mater, DVU, serving as Chair, Student Liaison Committee, (where he thrived as a mentor to current students and former graduates), and was a member of the President’s Strategic Planning Committee. He was humbled and honored in September 2016, when he received the Patricia C. Hilton ’76 Volunteer Service Award for his exceptional dedication and service to the University. In October 2022, Bill was further recognized with Del Val’s President’s Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of his lifetime of leadership and commitment.

In addition to his wife of 53 years, Elisabeth, he is survived by his four sons, W. Matthew Dougherty of Doylestown, PA, Andrew G. Dougherty (Kristen) of Wilton, CT, Philip C. Dougherty (Kathleen) of Westhampton Beach, NY, and Gregory N. Dougherty (Renee) of Gotha, FL. He also leaves behind two cherished grandchildren, Liam and Olivia, his beloved Miniature Schnauzer, “My Liesl Girl”, his sister, Bette Lou Clegg of Highlandville, MO and many, much-loved, nieces and nephews.

The Family will be holding a private service at the Ida M. Block Memorial Chapel, (built 1899), on the Delaware Valley University Campus.

In lieu of flowers, contributions, in his honor, may be made to the:

William and Elisabeth M. Dougherty Endowed Scholarship Fund