Witness Post: Dan Doherty
On March 28, 2026, Daniel Charles Doherty, age 82, passed away surrounded by his family and friends. He was the beloved son of the late Amelia Doherty (nee Jones) and the late Daniel Doherty, Sr., dear brother of the late Francis Doherty, Patrick Doherty, Judy Doherty, and dear uncle of Brian and Michael Doherty and their families.
Dan lived a life defined by unwavering kindness and the quiet and humble service of those in need. He focused on helping others who were dealing with significant personal struggles. Dan was ordained to the Catholic priesthood in his late teens, following in the steps of Ignatius of Loyola, who founded the Jesuit order. Doherty served for thirty years in parishes in the Baltimore, MD and Cambridge, MA areas. He taught high school students at Loyola Blakefield in Towson, Maryland, for several years before deciding to depart the priesthood.
After leaving the ministry Dan worked for 20 years with the Maryland Department of Parole and Probation where he interacted with those incarcerated in the state prison system until his retirement from state government work.
For the past 42 years Dan was also deeply involved in the work of Alcoholics Anonymous and its 12-step program to freedom. He served as sponsor, friend and support to a great many people, who spoke of Doherty’s support and guidance in AA as key to their ability to maintain their sobriety.
Those who had the privilege of knowing Dan will remember him as a true servant-leader, a man who found his joy in lifting up others. He always worked behind the scenes never seeking recognition. His humility was his strength. He walked through life with a gentle spirit, always offering a helping hand and a warm welcoming presence to all he met. He was a safe harbor for friends and strangers alike. His memorial is built upon the gratitude of so many who have credited his unconditional and gentle support and wise guidance for their ability to navigate life’s darkest struggles and reclaim their lives with hope.
In accordance with Dan’s wishes, there will be no visitation. A public graveside service will be held on April 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Gardens of Faith Memorial Gardens, 5598 Trumps Mill Road, Baltimore, MD 21206.
In honor of his humble spirit, the family requests that you simply take a moment to do a quiet act of kindness for someone in need.
Tributes to Dan Doherty from members of the Loyola Blakefield Class of 1972
Our Loyola Blakefield classmate, Mark Rohde sent around an e-mail to our class indicating that one of our former teachers in high school was deathly ill and headed into hospice. Mark asked us to pray for our revered teacher and friend, Dan Doherty. So many of us knew Dan and recalled his impact on our lives, the e-mail generated an instantaneous outpouring of love and appreciation for this model “man for others.”
During our years at Blakefield, Dan Doherty taught Latin and Psychology at LHS. After leaving Loyola and the priesthood, he worked continued to work with children with educational disabilities, especially dyslexia, and spent time was at St. Pius for a while. He also worked overseas (India, I believe) for a while. (Mark Rohde LHS ’72)
Dan was my mentor from LHS who helped me out a lot. He can over our house in Ellicott City many times. Sorry to hear he’s in hospice at Mercy Hospital now. I just went through that with my wife and only hope they can keep him comfortable. Did not know he was in Baltimore or would have looked him up when I was there. He is such a great person, God bless him and grant him easy passage to his next life. If any of you get to see him, please tell him Oggie Whalen is thinking of him and praying for him. (Rob Whalen LHS ’72)
Dan was also a huge help to me when I was young and trying to find my way. Great giving person who helped out a lot of folks over the years. Lucky to have known him. (John Forrester LHS ’72)
“Mr. Doherty” and I crossed paths about 20 years ago, when I was employed at Maryland’s Dept of Juvenile Services. He was working with another social services department. We were at a meeting and sitting across the table from each other. He looks at me and asks, “Do I know you?” He was bald and much older then and that threw me off. I remembered him with the long hair, mutton-chop sideburns, black rimmed glasses … all while holding a Latin textbook. He re-introduced himself to me. I continued to run into him from time to time afterwards, but I lost touch with him, after I retired. (Keith Bridgeforth LHS ’72)
Mr. Doherty taught a Psychology class when we were juniors or seniors that was very provocative for our class. We were reading about Freud, Jung, Erickson and adolescent behavior. We talked extensively about mythology, our family dynamics and relationships with our parents and siblings. He would ask startlingly deep questions, all while smoking a cigarette in class. I will never forget that he would put the filter side down on his desk and allow the smoke to ascend like an incense stick. I remember that smoke stream better than the Freudian slip or Jungian archetypes. I majored in Educational Psychology because of Dan’s influence. May his time left be reflective, full of smiles and painless. He was a man for others, always! (Henry Hooper LHS ’72)
I remember Dan’s Psychology class well. It was indeed provocative at the time, yet it provoked deep thought about our adolescent struggles. He used me as an example in one class on the issue of “personal space.” Dan asked me to stand still and he approached me until his face was mere inches away from mine. Naturally, I immediately backed away. He knew me well enough that my reaction was predictable. Learned a lot from that class but he was more than a great teacher and intellect. He had the fortitude to actually get INVOLVED in my life and the lives of others. He helped my resolve conflict issues with my strict father (an ex-MP in the army) and taught me to diffuse my anger. I would say that Dan was the single most positive influence during my time at Loyola. He was certainly a man for others, and continued that involvement throughout his life. (Rob Whalen LHS ’72)
Dan’s psychology class was an eye opener for me. Besides learning about id, ego and superego, he helped me look beyond the obvious with symbols and personal interactions. One thing I clearly remember was his pointing out how the then-popular song by Melanie called ‘Brand New Key’ was about more than a girl with new roller skates and a boy with a new key. He had a very good way of relating to us at that age. (John Nahm LHS ’72)
In Psychology class, Dan taught us not only the basics of the Id and Ego, but also reading cues in human behavior, and “helping” others make decisions. As Prom Committee Moderator, he prepared us for, and oversaw, negotiations for our Senior Prom venue. 40 years later, I ran into Marty Resnick, who remembered our interactions well. May Dan rest in peace. Following in the Jesuit tradition, he was truly a Man for Others. (Lou Sellmayer LHS ’72)
I too remember Dan’s psychology class. That class encouraged me to take other human sciences courses in college in spite of my Accounting major. I was ill for an extended period of time (I think it was our sophomore year at LHS). Dan visited almost every day and kept me company. I thought he told me years later that he adopted (or tried to adopt) an inner city child. He was kind, sincere and caring. RIP Dan. (Carl Wright LHS ’72)
Dan Doherty was the reason I majored in Psychology at Santa Clara University. I never regretted it. He was a great influence on many of us. (John Urbanski LHS ’72)
A wonderful man. A good friend. May Dan rest in peace. (Dick Prodey LHS ’57). N.B. Dick Prodey was a teacher at LHS before, during and after Dan Doherty’s time at Blakefield.
Henry E. Hooper 