David Bernard "Doc" Dougherty

December 2, 1958 - August 29, 2025

David Bernard "Doc" Dougherty Obituary

David B. Dougherty ‘Doc’ of Bensalem PA, died peacefully at home on August 29, 2025 surrounded by family. Born on December 2, 1958, Dave was a lifelong resident of Bensalem.

Dave graduated from Bensalem High School class of 1976, he was 66 years old. He was a carpenter by trade until 1988 at the age of 29 when he was injured in a work related accident that left him a paraplegic. Despite his injury, Dave continued to live his life to the fullest, enjoying many weekends in Atlantic City and spending time with his friends and family. Dave was a passionate and devoted Philadelphia sports fan and held Eagles season tickets for many years. He regularly watched the Flyers, Phillies and Eagles. He enjoyed taunting and joking with his cousins and brother in law, who are Giants, Mets, Yankee and Devils fans. He especially loved the Giants Eagles Tailgate parties held during Giants-Eagles games!

Although for the last 15 years Dave was mostly bedridden, he was always upbeat and had a positive attitude. All he seemed to need were his ‘scratch off’ lottery tickets, watching his Philly sports, old westerns, and reading the Daily News or Courier Times. He was a living miracle, as over the years, time and time again, he came back from critical illnesses. His will to live, and to thrive, regardless of his circumstances, is a testament to his resilience and strength.

Dave is survived by his loving and dedicated partner and caregiver of over 25 years Frances Zemartis, his sister Karen Dougherty Pfeifer and her husband Eddie Pfeifer, his niece Carly Pfeifer, his niece Breana Agan, and her husband Kevin, his great nephew Cameron Agan and his great niece Madison Agan. He loved being a ‘great Uncle’. He is also survived by his cousins who were more like another a brother and sister, Michael Szott and Marilyn Szott Bellantoni, and her daughters Gemma Ayers and Judy Bellantoni. Dave is pre-deceased by his parents, Bernie and Judy Dougherty, by the person he called his ‘#2’, his younger brother Kevin Dougherty, and his youngest brother Steve Dougherty.

Visitation will be at Tomlinson Funeral Home on Friday 9/5/2025 from 10:00 am - 11:00 am, followed by burial at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at cureduchenne.org