Richard E. Doughty

Richard (Dick) Edward Doughty passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025, in Malvern, PA. Born on February 13, 1938, in Cleveland, OH, to Stephen and Josephine (Argie) Doughty, Dick’s life was defined by his endless curiosity, passion for understanding how things worked, love for tinkering with cars, traveling the world, and spending time with his family.

A graduate of Shaw High School and Cleveland State University (formerly Fenn College), Dick married his high school sweetheart, Darlene Posey, in 1962. He began his career as a metallurgical engineer with Penn Central Railroad, later continuing with a move to Philadelphia with Conrail and Day & Zimmermann, where he honed his investigative skills analyzing train operations and derailments. His expertise led him to establish his own company, Technical Services Laboratories (TSL) Inc., in Springfield, MO. Together with Darlene, they built and managed a team of 40 employees dedicated to testing steel, oil, paint, and rail samples for railroads and various clients for more than fifteen years.

Dick was a devoted husband to the late Darlene J. (Posey) Doughty and a loving father to Maureen L. Doughty (Andres Hernandez) of Downingtown and Laura M. Doughty of West Chester. He cherished his granddaughters, Megan and Lindsey, and is also survived by his siblings, Thomas A. Doughty, Dorothy Wall, and Joann Donlan.

Handy with cars, Dick was best known for his " little red car,"a 1967 Triumph Spitfire convertible, which - for better or worse - he used to teach friends and family how to drive stick shift. The car was loud and the neighbors knew their comings and goings.

Music played a large role in Dick’s life, he always had tunes blasting through his hi-tech sound systems while he worked on house projects. He passed his appreciation of music on to his family, attending jazz and blues concerts with his kids. He was also a talented dancer who loved a dinner out and a spin on the dance floor with his favorite partner, Darlene.

An avid sports fan, Dick loved cheering on his favorite teams, especially Penn State and the Philadelphia Eagles, yet always holding out hope for the Cleveland Browns. A voracious reader, he often stayed up all night to finish a new book. His knowledge knew no limits - he enjoyed discussing any topic; from science and history to politics and sports. He should have been on Jeopardy! A forward thinker, he was also one of the first to embrace green energy technology, proudly converting his home to solar and geothermal power to “get off the grid.”

A man of quick wit, he always sent off loved ones with an old saying from the horse-and-buggy days: “Easy on the whip!” We wish him the same farewell. His charm, guidance, and love will be deeply missed.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at Glenhardie Country Club in Wayne, PA, on Saturday, 4/26/2025, from 12–3 p.m. Dress festive.

A memorial donation in his honor can be made to the Valley Forge Park Alliance, the Smithsonian Institution, or the World Wildlife Fund.