A quiet man and gentle in nature, the life of Joe Doherty was celebrated at his funeral Mass in St Mary’s Church in Ramelton on Monday.

A native of Wolfe Tone Place in Letterkenny, Joe and his family had lived for many years in North London, before they moved back to Donegal and to Killydonnell, Ramelton around 20 years ago.

He had been ill for some time, prior to his peaceful passing in the Donegal Hospice on Friday.

His funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr Michael Carney who said Joe’s life and its influence are captured in the minds and hearts of those who loved and knew him.
“Joe was born in 1952 to Agnes and Danny Doherty and grew up in Wolfe Tone Place, a brother to his sisters, Marian and Patricia,” Fr Carney said.
“At the age of 19 he left for London and like so many of his generation, Joe found there was a demand, not only for his labour, but also for his skillset. He was a bricklayer by trade and known for his attention to detail with fine and tidy workmanship.

“He was sociable, made good friends and enjoyed the craic.”
Fr Carney told how Joe met his future wife, Pat, in London in 1974.
“Attraction was instant, love bloomed and destiny beckoned and within three weeks, Joe had popped the question and proposed,” he said.
“He was a man who knew his mind and they were a couple who were smitten with each other. They were married soon after and their marriage would become a true partnership.

Joe Doherty, Ramelton and formerly Wolfe Tone Place Letterkenny

In the words of his daughters, Joe was a loving husband and devoted to Pat. Their love as a couple was completed by the blessing of their three daughters, Chrissie, Kim and Nicola.
“Joe saw it as his role and duty to build a life for all of you that was loving, secure and stable.
You were his focus, and the people who always mattered to him.”

A little over 20 years ago, Joe and Pat decided to up sticks and move back to Ireland.
“So the rapid pace of life in North London was exchanged for a much gentler tempo of a more rustic setting in Killydonnell,” Fr Carney said.
“Over their years here, Joe and Pat’s daughters gifted them seven much-loved grandchildren. Joe was never happier than being around all of you, his family.”

Joe had a deep love of gardening and nature, something he passed on to his family.
“His love of sport had always been a feature of his life from his days growing up in Wolfe Tone Place,” Fr Carney added. “His love for Manchester United and his passionate following of Finn Harps.”
“An avid reader, Joe was a knowledgeable man and a ready source of information for family and friends.
“He was a quiet man, gentle in nature and regarded by those he met as a gentleman.
“Joe’s illness over these last years has been a really dark shadow, burgling your happiness as a family. Still you managed to make beautiful memories that, like gifts, will enlighten and enliven your lives for years to come.”
Joe will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Patricia, daughters, Chrissie, Kim (Paul) and Nicola (Paddy), grandchildren, Bobby, Tommy, Louie, Molly, Eoin, Emma and Jack, sisters Marian Gildea and Patricia McDaid and her husband Phillip, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews and a wide circle of family, friends and neighbours.
Joe is predeceased by his parents, Agnes and Danny and brother-in-law, Jimmy Gildea.