Shawn Dougherty Obituary

Shawn Patrick Dougherty, 47, of East Hartford, passed away peacefully on May 3rd, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones. Shawn leaves behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and quiet wisdom. Born in Rochester, New York, Shawn was the beloved son of Dennis and Susan (Marlowe) Dougherty. He spent his early years in Rochester, where he attended St. Helen's Grammar School and graduated from the Aquinas Institute. Shawn later moved to Connecticut to pursue higher education at Sacred Heart University, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees. Driven by a deep sense of purpose and empathy, he dedicated his professional life to helping others, building a respected career in substance abuse counseling. For the past 15 years, Shawn served as a counselor and then a supervisor within the Connecticut Department of Corrections, where he was admired for his unwavering commitment to rehabilitation and the well-being of those in his care. Beyond his professional achievements, Shawn was a true old soul-steadfast, thoughtful, and spirited. In recent years, Shawn deepened his Catholic faith, finding strength and comfort in his relationship with God. He was a passionate fan of the Buffalo Bills and UConn Huskies, known for his love of music across all genres, his ever-present cigars and fedoras, and his loyal companionship with his beloved dog, Copper. Shawn never missed a chance to support his daughter Michelle at her dance recitals, enduring the cramped seats and lengthy programs with a smile, just to see her shine on stage. Shawn also took great pride in watching and coaching his daughter Aubrey's sporting events, always her loudest cheerleader from the sidelines. Most notably, Shawn had the joy of seeing Michelle graduate from law school and Aubrey from high school last spring, a moment he truly cherished. Shawn's presence will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Along with his parents, he is survived by his two daughters, Michelle Dougherty of Rocky Hill, and Aubrey Dougherty of Manchester; his sister Shannon Presciutti and her husband Vincent and their children Ava, Annalease and Vincent "Sonny"; many aunts and uncles, namely Marileen Dougherty-Titus and her husband Daniel, and Marcia Coleman and her husband Bruce; Michelle's mother Elizabeth Dougherty, Aubrey's mother Zaida Dougherty, many close cousins, and loyal lifelong friends. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday, May 10th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Duksa Family Funeral Home, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 pm. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shawn, please visit our floral store.