Joan Dougherty

Joan Dougherty (Rello), 79, of North Plainfield, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on June 2, 2024.

Joan came from humble beginnings on Eagle Rock Avenue where her family eventually built, owned and operated the East Hanover Swim Club from the early 1950’s until 1983.

Before moving to North Plainfield she worked for Ketcham & McDougall Inc. Roseland for 10 years. She stopped working to be a devoted mother. She was always involved in her kids activities, PTA, Pop Warner and scouts organizations.

Joan would always spend 2 weeks a summer at Ortley Beach, NJ. These were the best days spending time with close family. Days on the beach would last forever and ever. She would also spend the rest of her summer days at the Warrenbrook Pool.

In 2005 the family bought a beach house. She made countless memories with family, new and old friends and hosted annual summer beach parties bringing us all together.

Joan had a way with every one she met. She had such a caring and loving heart. She loved to talk on the phone, have lunch out with friends, see broadway shows and grow a flourishing garden. Joan was genuinely a kind person to all. And it was infectious.

She loved her grandkids so much. She wanted nothing more than to spend as much time as possible with them watching them play sports, celebrate big and small events and attend school functions.

Joan loved spending time with family.

Beloved wife of 52 years to James G. Dougherty, Jr.  Devoted mother of James G. Dougherty, III, his wife Jamie, Jennifer Siragusa, her husband Joseph, Jacqueline Stasium and her husband Jason.  Cherished grandmother of Connor and Alexandra, Sophia and Henry.  Dear sister of Dolores, Doris and Louise.  Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Joan was pre-deceased by her parents Louis and Helen, and her siblings Marie and John.

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Wednesday from 4-7pm.  Funeral on Thursday, assembling at the funeral home at 10:30am, followed by the funeral mass at St. Rose of Lima Church in East Hanover at 11:30am.  Interment at Restland Memorial Park in E. Hanover. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joan’s name to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, see donation box below for details….

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