John Dennis Dougherty

Dr. John Dennis Dougherty January 17, 1933 – January 6, 2026

Dr. John Dennis Dougherty—physician, scholar, military officer, and lifelong adventurer—passed away on January 6, 2026, at the age of 92.

Born on January 17, 1933, Dr. Dougherty devoted his life to medicine, public service, and intellectual pursuit. He graduated from the University of Kansas Medical Center, earning his medical degree and went on to earn both a Master of Public Health and a Doctorate of Science from the Harvard School of Public Health, where his work reflected a deep commitment to preventive medicine, public health, and innovation in healthcare delivery.

Dr. John Dougherty served his country with distinction in the US military. He began his career an Army Captain serving as the youngest division surgeon ever in the 82nd Airborne Division. Early in his career he leveraged his aerospace medical experience and was actively recruited for President Kennedy's newly created Federal Aviation Administration as their Southern regional medical director. This unique specialty in aviation during the Space Race was later recognized by Harvard where he developed their aerospace occupational medical field of study. He maintained his military career alongside his civilian careers and he retired as a "full bird" Colonel serving as a flight surgeon in the New Hampshire Air National Guard. His many career accomplishments bridged medicine, military service, and public policy, and he was called upon to testify before the United States Congress as an expert in occupational health medicine.

Dr. Dougherty authored and was published to numerous journals, including the Journal of the American Medical Association, the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. He was a dedicated educator, serving as a professor at Harvard University, Columbia University, and Cornell University, where he shaped the future of medicine and public health.

Dr. Dougherty’s medical career spanned academic medicine, government service, aviation medicine, and corporate health leadership. Leveraging his administrative expertise he become the Chief of Preventive Medicine and flight surgeon for Trans World Airways (TWA). He advanced health and safety initiatives as an emergency room physician at Manhattan Psychiatric Hospital. In the private sector, he held senior leadership roles as Medical Director at both Allied Chemical and Hoechst Celanese corporations, advancing occupational and preventive health initiatives. A pioneer in healthcare systems innovation, John founded his own company, Managed Health, reflecting his forward-thinking approach to public health.

Beyond his professional achievements, John lived with enthusiasm and curiosity. He was an avid skier, a hiker and a world traveler with an enduring love for the White Mountains of New Hampshire, especially Cannon Mountain where, as a doctor, he ran the ski patrol’s first aid department. An enthusiastic supporter and subscriber to the New York City Ballet and the Metropolitan Museum of Art; he held a lifelong appreciation for the arts. He also took great pleasure in flying himself to and from his destinations, seamlessly uniting his love of aviation with exploration and adventure. Whether in the air, on the slopes, or discovering new cultures, he embraced lifelong learning with characteristic energy and intellect.

John was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Arthur Dougherty, and his sister, Mary Jocelyn.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth Joan McElroy Dougherty (née Sklarski), and his four children: J. Brooks Dougherty of Milford, Connecticut; Andrew Dougherty (Gigi Garraty) of Marco Island, Florida; Abigail O’Reilly (William) of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; and Amanda Sihweil (Omar) of New Canaan, Connecticut.

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: David (Samantha), Caroline (Niels Jakob), Thomas, Andrew (Kelly), Kristin (Anthony), Regan, Evan, Brooks, Mazin, Nathan, Amelia, India, Zade, and Dalia, as well as three great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy and pride. He is further survived by his three stepchildren—Julie McElroy (Edde Sigler), David McElroy, and Timothy McElroy (Terri). Also mourning his passing are Betty Ann Dougherty and Margery Jenkins.

Dr. John Dennis Dougherty will be remembered for his brilliance, service, leadership, curiosity, and unwavering dedication to improving health, knowledge, and the lives of others.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate John’s life on Saturday, January 24th at 11am at All Saints Episcopal Church in Leonia NJ (150 Park Ave), luncheon directly after. May his memory be eternal