Obituary of Francis "Fran" M. Doherty

Peabody - Francis M. Doherty, 86, beloved husband of Mary Jane (Quinn) Doherty of Peabody, died peacefully at his home on Saturday following a brief illness. Born in Peabody, he was the son of the late Thomas and Margaret (Murphy) Doherty. He was a lifelong resident of the city, and graduated from St. Mary's High School in Lynn. Mr. Doherty was a veteran of World War II, with service in the United States Army in the Air Corps. He worked as a Sales Professional with Gerber Baby Food until retiring 28 years ago. Fran was a member of the Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. 1409 of Peabody and served as Past Exalted Ruler, was a member of the A.O.H. Division 11 of Peabody, and was an avid golfer playing at Salem Municipal. He was a communicant at St John the Baptist Church in Peabody, and also had attended St. Ann's Church when he lived in Peabody. He lived in Ft. Lauderdale, FL half the year in retirement until recently returning to Peabody, and was dedicated to his family, especially the grandchildren to whom he was known as "Papa". He is survived by: his wife Mary Jane (Quinn) Doherty of Peabody, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage; five daughters and their spouses, Ellen & Ken Carpenter of Nahant and Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Kathleen Coner Doherty and her fiancée Daniel Shipulski both of Marblehead, Margaret & Raymond Harrington of Danvers, Sheila & Michael Petrillo of Peabody, and Patricia & Michael Marenghi of Hamilton; 12 grandchildren, Carrie Ann, Rachel, Michael, Cristin, Shannon, Meaghan, Matthew, Ian, Kevin, Andrew, Colin, and Brian; four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers Thomas and Lawrence Doherty, and sisters Mary Doherty, Sr. Sheila Doherty, S.N.D., and Margaraet Brennan. A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5 to 8 P.M. in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 20 Church St. location, Peabody. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather on Wednesday at 10 AM in the funeral home followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 AM in St. John's Church, Peabody. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. Memorial donations may be made to North Shore ARC, 64 Holten St., Danvers, MA 01923. Please