Thomas Dougherty

Dr. Dougherty is survived by his sister, Theresa D. McConnell, brother, Michael, and three sisters-in-law and spouses Delores (Charles) English, Yvonne (Isaac) Seals, and Joan (David) Hampton. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his late wife Barbara.

Awarded a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering at Drexel University (1955), Tom went on to earn his PhD in Physical Chemistry from Case Western Reserve (1959) and continued as Postdoctoral Research Assistant to Prof. Lars Onsager at Yale University Department of Chemistry (1959-1961). After 16 years teaching Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology, Tom worked another 16 years for Columbia University as Manager of the Arc Research Lab and Senior Staff Associate at the Heat Transfer Research Facility.

In addition to his many years as professor in the classroom and well-known scientist in the labs, Dr. Dougherty was author or co-author of many scientific publications and hold the patent rights for Arc Gasification of Coal along with C. Sheer and S. Korman. In retirement, Tom was invited to consult on many projects conducted around the world and he continued to write scientific papers. When asked why he continued to write papers after his working career was over, he replied, "because that's what scientists do; they have a professional obligation to share information with other scientists about their research."

Long recognized as an ardent civil rights advocate along with his wife Barbara, Tom often was a political activist. He enjoyed life, particularly ballroom dancing. His list of friends represent all walks of life, all nationalities, ethnicities, races and social status. He was loved and respected by everyone: family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors; most of all, he will be best known by those close to him as a gentle giant and will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Arrangements under the direction of Riverside Memorial Chapel, New York, NY.