Father Edward C. Doherty

May 13, 2022

Father Edward C. Doherty, 86, of East Hampton, passed away on May 13th, peacefully in his sleep. He was born on a farm in Urris, County Donegal, Ireland in 1935, one of ten children to Neal and Mary Doherty. He was predeceased by eight siblings: MaryAnne Jordan, Cecile Doherty, Anthony Doherty, Phillip Doherty, Margaret Doherty, Susan Haswell, John Doherty, and Sheila Doherty. He is survived by his sister, Bridget Callan of Glastonbury; and numerous nieces and nephews. Father Doherty was ordained in 1969 at Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, CT. In addition, he held multiple graduate degrees from Catholic University and the University of Connecticut.

In the 1970s, he and Sister Siobhan Kelly, Ph.D., founded Roncalli Institute with the mission of compassionate care for the elderly. Roncalli grew in the coming decades to over 35 elderly care facilities. Roncalli was the family name of Pope John Paul XXIII; who, as an elderly man, changed one of the world’s largest institutions, the Roman Catholic Church. Roncalli represents a change in attitude towards the needs of the elderly and the sick.

Father Doherty had a developer’s eye and an instinct that led to exceptional real estate acquisitions. None more visible than the acquisition of Saint Clements Castle in 1992.

He then undertook a major restoration of the estate and its gardens. The property was soon donated to Saint Clements Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit to preserve the estate and its art treasures. The Foundation is now a key source of funding for its ongoing mission of charitable giving.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, May 24, 2022.

A Wake in the Irish tradition will be held at Saint Clements Castle at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, to celebrate the life of Father Doherty.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Clements Foundation, Inc. at P.O. Box 427, Portland, CT 06480.

“Caring is more than a personal choice; it is a divine command from the Lord.” ECD

The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main Street, Portland is in charge of arrangements.