Robert Kenny Doherty

February 21, 1939 - April 20, 2026

Robert Kenny Doherty, 87, of Bridgewater, New Jersey, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on April 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted family patriarch, passionate golfer, and humble gentleman, Bob lived a life defined by perseverance, loyalty, and quiet strength.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Bob attended St. Francis Prep and graduated from St. John’s University in 1961. A gifted athlete, he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball during both high school and college. Baseball was his greatest passion, and he earned numerous accolades as a power-hitting shortstop, including being named League MVP in 1957. He was also honored to co-host the Brooklyn Dodgers’ “Happy Felton Show” on two occasions, alongside Pee Wee Reese and Gil Hodges - an experience he cherished as a devoted fan of the team. His promising baseball career was cut short in college after a shattered ankle sustained while playing football, but Bob faced the setback with characteristic resilience.

Following his graduation, Bob began his career as an analyst at Kidder, Peabody & Co. While working full-time, he pursued graduate studies in the evenings and earned his MBA from New York University. He went on to build a successful career in fixed income, joining Blyth, Eastman Dillon & Co., where he rose through the ranks and remained with the firm after its acquisition by Paine Webber. In 1982, he made a pivotal move to Merrill Lynch, where he thrived professionally and formed many lasting friendships, concluding a long and fulfilling career.

In 1956, Bob met the love of his life, Amelia, at a high school dance. Their relationship blossomed through the years, and they became engaged following his college graduation. They were married on May 12, 1962, in Brooklyn, beginning a devoted partnership that would span 65 years. Together, they raised their three children, starting in Brooklyn before moving to New Jersey in 1967. Over the years, they made homes in Parsippany, Basking Ridge, and New Vernon, where they spent 27 years, before eventually settling in Bridgewater. They also enjoyed nearly five decades of winters in Florida.

Bob was a proud member of Spring Brook Country Club beginning in 1971, where he found great joy in the game of golf and in the camaraderie of friends. Known for his dedication, he could often be found practicing or playing, regardless of the weather. More than anything, Bob and Amelia treasured time with their family and friends. Whether hosting poolside barbecues in New Vernon, relaxing on the beach in Florida, or sharing meals together, they found their greatest happiness in the company of loved ones and in the simple joy of conversation and laughter.

Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife, Amelia. He is survived by his three children: Kathleen and her husband Dana; Robert and his wife Kristen; and Suzanne and her husband Jack. He will be deeply missed by his six granddaughters and two great-granddaughters: Amanda, Kristina, Emily, Paige, Maeve, Delia, Eleanor, and Amelia. He is also survived by his cherished sister, Nancy Doherty Hannaford of New Vernon.

Bob’s legacy of love, dedication, and quiet determination will live on in all who knew him.

Visitation will be on Friday, April 24, 2026 from 4pm-7pm at Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Christ the King Church, 16 Blue Mill Rd, New Vernon, NJ 07976 at 10:30am. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Basking Ridge, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Robert Doherty to the Kevin J. Hannaford Sr. Foundation, Inc., 2201 3rd Ave., Spring Lake, NJ 07762 - www.kevinhannaford.org