Mr. Lawrence P. "Larry" Doherty

Lawrence Paul Doherty passed peacefully in his sleep after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s on March 16th in Rye, N.H. He was born in Lowell, MA on April 16, 1942, the son of the late Leonard G and Margaret (Hartigan) Doherty. Husband of 58 years to Barbara (Muldoon) Doherty of Exeter, N.H. “Larry” followed in the footsteps of his father and possessed the unique artistic talent to take over the family business as the successful owner and operator of Doherty Sign Company. His artistic talent in hand-lettering, custom pin striping and gold-leaf designs were masterful. On any given day his sign shop would be a gathering place for his many friends, colleagues and local politicians, always sharing anecdotal stories, discussing the pressing issues of the day while always sharing a laugh and cup of coffee. For fifteen years Larry served wholeheartedly as a commissioner for the Lowell Housing Authority as a champion for a host of unpopular causes- making the lives of hundreds of low-income men, women and children living in Lowell’s public housing safer and more secure. During his tenure he helped the housing authority obtain over $5 million in federal funds for community policing efforts and launched programs for Alcoholics Anonymous, drug intervention, adult education and youth activities. “The hardest thing to do in the world (of politics) is to help people who don’t vote,” a famous saying of Larry’s that acted as an undercurrent to most of his political work. Those who truly loved Larry, and there were many, understood that his speaking candidly and from his heart was motivated by the need to make a difference in the lives of those who did not have a voice. Larry was a devoted volunteer at St. Vincent D’Paul and a member of the beloved Father Thomas Reddy’s Oblate Mission Club. Larry spent his summers on Hampton Beach in N.H. and enjoyed the closeness of some special neighbors, hosting his epic Fourth of July parties (rain or shine) and cooking his famous fish chowder and lobster bakes. He loved playing golf with friends and family and was a long time member of the Longmeadow Golf Club. Post retirement, Larry continued to pursue his love of art and set up an at-home-studio, giving art lessons to his grandchildren and creating beautiful paintings that he loved to give to family members and friends. Larry also loved a good party, spending time with his friends (many of which were lifelong), his favorite Elvis or Roy Orbison tune and a well-made Manhattan! Larry loved to be the life of the party, he will be missed by so many! Larry is survived by his wife (Barbara) and their children, Lawrence J, James A (Lisa Kuhn) of Hampton, N.H., and Martha E (Patrick Marshall) of York, Maine. His adoring grandchildren, Ryan J of Stoneham, MA, Brendon S, Hannah M, and Elyse M Doherty of Hampton, N.H. Jake T (Kaitlyn Chao) Doherty and Thomas J Doherty of Lowell, MA. Kate E and Chase P Marshall of York, Maine. Brother-in-law, Arthur Muldoon of Dunstable, MA. His siblings Leonard (Kathryn Wafer) Doherty of Lancaster, PA. Susan (Kevin) Dwyer and Margaret Yavarow of Lowell, MA as well as many nieces, nephews and loving cousins. Larry was predeceased by his son Thomas L Doherty (2012), sisters-in-law Eileen (Lorrey) Muldoon (1983) and Mary (Vulgaropulos) Muldoon (2021) and brother-in-law James M Muldoon (2018) Family and Friends may call at THE FAY MCCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 Moore Street, Lowell, on THURSDAY, March 23, 2023 from 5 until 7 PM. Larry’s FUNERAL will begin on FRIDAY MORNING at 10 AM from the Funeral Home followed by his FUNERAL MASS at 11 AM at THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH 144 E MERRIMACK ST, LOWELL. Burial will follow in ST MARY CEMETERY, TEWKSBURY. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Northern New England Chapter, a charity very dear to Larry’s heart: 20 Trafalgar Square, Suite 447 Nashua, N.H. 03063 A special thanks to the dedicated staff at Benchmark at Rye (NH) Assisted Living Community and to all of the healthcare staff who work with Alzheimer’s patients. Your footsteps can never be filled, nor your love ever forgotten.

Mr. Lawrence P. "Larry" Doherty

April 16, 1942 - March 16, 2023