MADISON - It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the family of David Paul Doherty age 78 of Madison, say farewell for now, to our father, brother, uncle and close friend, following his peaceful passing on Sunday August 10, 2026 at Autumn Lake Nursing of Madison after an extended illness.

David was born on November 8, 1947, in New Haven, the son of the late Judge James P and Mary C (McGrath) Doherty. He was raised in Hamden, living primarily in the Centerville section of town, and attended Centerville School. The family eventually moved to the Mt Carmel section of town, where he graduated from Alice Peck School. He later attended St Louis School in Wooster Square and graduated from Notre Dame High School in West Haven. He then attended Sacred Heart University and graduated from Providence College. He furthered his studies at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C., and was ordained a Dominican priest. After several years, he left that station and married and had two wonderful children, Nathaniel and Mary Kate Doherty.

David’s career was with the State of CT Department of Developmental Services, serving the shoreline towns including Niantic and Madison. He was a thoughtful, compassionate professional who served literally thousands of clients over the years and was a valuable resource to the community members in recovery. David enjoyed hunting and fishing, was a wonderful guitar player, and loved to sing. He was a longtime communicant of St. Mary's Church of the Visitation in Clinton. His favorite place on earth, however, was Ireland. He traveled there often and especially loved visiting the Aran Islands of Inishmore and Inisheer. May his memory be a blessing to all, and may our heavenly Father hold him in the hallow of His hands.

David leaves to cherish his memory and honor his legacy, are his two children; his son, Nathaniel Doherty and his wife, Kimberly Cox of Granby and his daughter, Mary Kate Doherty and her husband, Matthew Strickland of Queens NY as well as his grandson, Theo. He also leaves his sister, Mary Ellen Layden of Marietta GA, his brother, John Doherty of Underhill VT, his brother, Judge Joseph W. Doherty of Naugatuck, his close personal friends; William and Barbara Kinnare of Madison as well as his former wife, Theresa Doherty of Old Saybrook, He also leaves several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends he made along the way.

Funeral services for Mr. Doherty will be held on Wednesday August 19, 2026 at 11:00 a.m, when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary's Church of the Visitation, 54 Grove St, Clinton, CT 06413. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family in the Doherty family plot in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hamden. Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT. 06705, has been honored to assist the Doherty family during this most difficult time. In this time of reflection, the family welcomes all who knew and loved David to share messages of condolence, comfort, and cherished memories. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to connect with the family or honor their loved one’s memory with floral arrangements and other gifts of condolence.