Robert Doherty, Sr.

Robert Eugene “Bob” Doherty, Sr., 89, of Rockford passed away at 5:55 a.m. Thursday, May 18, 2017, in SwedishAmerican Hospital. Born August 4, 1927, in Rockford, at the family home on  Yonge Street.  Bob was the son of Fintan Patrick and Uveta Fay (Bloyer) Doherty.  At the age of 2, Bob and his family moved to 512 Frances Avenue in Loves Park, where he grew up for many years.  Graduated from Harlem High School, Class of 1945, in Loves Park.  Veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army in Europe as a communications specialist.  Attended Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, and Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado.  He worked at a Chicago hospital as a nurse’s aide.  Bob’s intention was to attend medical school and become a doctor, but 2 devastating bouts of rheumatic fever derailed his dream.  Formerly employed at Third (later, First) National Bank as a teller where he met his future wife, Imojean.  Married Imojean Mae Carlson on September 9, 1950, in Rockton.  Employed by GE in industrial sales for nearly 40 years and by Sears as a weekend and night credit manager for more than 20 years.  Member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he was part of the choir for many years, was usher and head usher.  Bob was very caring, compassionate and loving.  He was a hard worker, provider  and was always thinking of family and others first.  Avid baseball fan.  Survivors include his son, Robert E. Doherty II; grandchildren, Robert E. III, and Natalie Fay; great-grandchildren, Addyson Natalia and Robert Houston Doherty; brothers, William Edward, John “Jack” and Richard Patrick (Janet) Doherty; sister, Mary Catherine Misuraca; many nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law, Willie Wenger.  Predeceased by his parents; wife; and sisters, Lorraine Adele Doherty (in childhood), Marilyn Louise (Doherty) Wenger and Jeanette June Doherty (also in childhood).

Service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 24, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park, with visitation from 9 a.m. to service time. The Rev. Jay Quinn will officiate.  Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens.  Memorials to the family to be established.