John J. Doherty, Sr., age 71, a resident of Wheaton, passed away on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. He was born April 28, 1951 in Chicago to George & Mary Doherty.

He grew up in Chicago and lived throughout the city during his childhood, with his parents and eight siblings. He graduated from St. Joseph High School, where he played basketball.

He met his future wife of 46 years, Helen, through his sister Sharon in 1973, upon his return from serving in the Vietnam war with the United State Army. They married in 1976 and made Cicero their home, raising three children: Jessica, Johnny and Nikki. Throughout his life, he demonstrated a good work ethic, always doing everything he could to provide for his family. Most of his jobs involved transportation and he retired from Saporito Finishing Co. after 25+ years in 2017. After retirement, his favorite pastime included playing with his three grandchildren. You could always find him at the baseball field cheering on his grandson and attending activities for each of his grandchildren.

Throughout his lifetime, he was an avid sports fan and participant. He played high school basketball and as an adult played golf for fun as well as softball in various leagues.He enjoyed cheering on the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bears and Notre Dame. While these were his favorites, he was a Chicago guy at heart, and enjoyed cheering for all Chicago sports teams including the Cubs to appease his daughters and grandson.

He also enjoyed history, playing cards with siblings, gardening, and loved telling a story to anyone who would listen. He would frequently point out different establishments while driving and always had a memory associated with all of them. He was telling stories and jokes until the day he passed, always making hospital staff laugh during his visits. His family and friends would say his sense of humor and his big heart were their favorite things about him.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Helen; his children Jessica (Drew) McGee & Nikki Doherty; his grandchildren Addison, Austin & Dylan McGee; his siblings Susan (Paul) Pitrak, George (Susie) Doherty, Daniel (Nancy Pawlowski) Doherty, Sharon (George) D'Andrea, Robert "Duffy" (Anna Marie) Doherty, Madeline (Leslie Barrows) Doherty, Thomas Doherty, & Brian (the late Kelly) Doherty; and many nieces, nephews & cousins.

He was preceded in death by his son John Doherty, Jr. and his parents.

A memorial service will be held in the future. Please check back for details.