Richard J. Doherty, “Rich”, 71, of Colts Neck, went home to the Lord, peacefully surrounded by his family at home on Wednesday evening.

Rich was born and raised, just outside of Philadelphia, in Hatboro, PA, where he attended William Penn Charter School, and was a valued member of the football team. Rich continued his football career at Bethany College where he also became a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. Upon graduation from Bethany, he went on to obtain his Master of Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh Katz Business School. Rich enjoyed a successful 43 year long career in the equipment finance industry. He cultivated life-long working friendships at numerous companies, including CIT Group, Bank of America, and finally, serving as the President of Equipment Leasing at PNC Bank. Rich was passionate about his work, and was beloved by all his colleagues.

It was during his storied career where he would meet the love of his life and wife of thirty years, Kiera. After spending a few years in Boston, Rich and his wife raised their children in Colts Neck, where he was an active member of the community. You could always find Rich on the sidelines of his children’s sports games, passionately watching each game. He served on the Colts Neck Sports Foundation Board, and in his later years, continued his passion of youth sports by coaching local basketball teams, and attending high school sports games, even after his own children had graduated.

Golf was a cornerstone of Rich’s life. Rain or shine, you could find him on the golf course, with his wife, children or friends. He was a tough competitor, a teacher and someone who made you want to play the game. Rich and his wife spent many summer nights with a Guinness at the bar of their golf club, Trump National among a community of friends.

Although a resident of New Jersey, Rich’s true love in life was Philadelphia sports. Rich loved his Birds, and never missed a game, whether watching at home, joining fellow fans in the stands, or pacing the neighborhood during the Super Bowl. If you asked Rich, he’d tell you the best steak in town is a Dalessandro’s cheesesteak, but you need to arrive 3 hours before kick-off. He would say, like a true Eagles fan, “No one likes us we don’t care”, and he sure did not care.

Rich loved a good thriller novel. He was known to read through all his Christmas gifts by New Years, always with his beloved dog Alfred at his feet. He loved black coffee with an old fashioned donut, a dirty martini (with blue cheese stuffed olives, by hand preferred), and any warm chocolate dessert with vanilla ice cream. While not the best at it, he loved to dance. If he had his choice of tune to tear up the carpet it would have been one from his 6 CD changer consisting of the greatest hits from Jackson Browne, Mario Lanza, Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, Bruno Mars, and Jordan Sparks. Rich was fiercely funny, incredibly kind, devoted to his faith, and deeply loyal to his friends and family.

Rich was predeceased by his parents, Richard A. Doherty and Theresa G. Doherty. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Kiera; his children Drew, and his wife Elizabeth, Annie, Jack, and Patrick; his siblings Pat and her husband Mike, and Jeff and his wife Dee.; his grandson Miles, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Monday, September 2^nd from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733. A mass of Christian burial will be offered Tuesday, September 3^rd at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s RC Church, 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck. Burial will follow at St. Gabriel’s Cemetery, Marlboro.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rich’s memory to All God’s Children International, www.allgodschildren.org.