PLAISTOW, NH: William E. Dougherty, Jr., 81, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2012 at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House. Mr. Dougherty was the husband of Betty E. (Hartop) Dougherty.

Born in Brockton on September 2, 1930, he was the son of the late William E. Sr. and Lillian E. (Hatch) Dougherty. Following his graduation from Haverhill High School Bill joined the U.S. Air Force serving as an Air Traffic Controller in New Mexico. He worked for the former Mass Electric as a troubleshooter for several years prior to his retirement. Bill valued the time spent with his family, and enjoyed claming with his grandson in Seabrook and Gloucester. He enjoyed repairing small engines, and enjoyed driving his 1931 Model A Ford. Bill was a member of the First Baptist Church of Plaistow, Merrimack Lodge F. & A.M., and American Legion-Carl Davis Post 34 of Plaistow.

Besides his wife of 55 years he is survived by his daughter, Wendy Petit and her husband Robert of Raymond, NHl grandsons, Shawn, David, Brian, Chris and Brandon; great grandson, Tyler, and sister, Carolyn Doherty of West Newbury.

Arrangements by Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main Street, Haverhill will be private. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to the Merrimack Valley Hospice House, 360 Merrimack St., Bldg. 9, Lawrence, MA 01843.

Online condolence may be sent to www.dcsfuneralhome.com