Eugene M. Dougherty, 86, of Hazleton, passed away on January 4, 2025 at Advent Health Hospital in Celebration, Florida after a hard-fought battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and most especially the love of his life, Ethel. He will surely be remembered as a man who adored and loved his family, loved his community and spent his life working hard for both.
Born July 5, 1938, Gene was the son of the late Joseph and Esther (Helmes) Dougherty and graduated from McAdoo High School in 1956, King’s College with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1960 and attended Penn State for Post Graduate courses in Insurance. As a businessman, Eugene was President of Kleen Vending Co., McAdoo, Pa,
President of Coffee Service, Inc. McAdoo, PA and was President of Billig-Helmes Insurance Associates, Hazleton, now a fifth-generation family business, started in 1902, that his daughter Donna Marie currently operates. Gene served his community of Greater Hazleton in many ways. He held numerous offices, including President, of the Hazleton Jaycees. He received awards as Jaycee of the Year, Life Membership, JCI Senatorship #14410 and was “Outstanding YoungMan of the Year” in 1974. He served over a decade on the WVIA Channel 44 Board of Directors and was awarded for outstanding service by the Pennsylvania Public Television Network (PPTN) Commission. He was a Board Member of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce and the Valley Country Club. Gene was a member of St. Gabriels Church
and served on their Board. He was an active member of the South Side Civic Association and the Kiwanis Club.
Gene was a 43-year member and Past President of Hazleton Rotary, and recipient of the Paul Harris award. A 55-year CAN DO Executive Board member and Past President (Chair of the Board), Gene was recognized in 2019 for his 50-year tenure as a CAN DO Board member. who made significant contributions to the organization’s progress. Under his
leadership the development of the CAN DO Corporate Center was completed. He was named CAN DO Volunteer of the Year in 2017 and was a founding member of the CAN DO Community Foundation.
Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents was his brother, Joseph Dougherty. Gene is survived by his high school sweetheart, Ethel (Leshko) and they recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. Also surviving are four children, Donna Marie Dougherty, David Eugene Dougherty, Elizabeth (Bette Rose) Quinn, and Colleen Dougherty. Also surviving, are grandchildren David J. Barna II, David E. Dougherty
II, Erica Dougherty, Michael Dougherty, Nicole Dougherty, Rachael Dougherty, Alicia (Quinn) Houser, Michael Quinn, Meghan Quinn, Lauren (Cookley) Silverstein, Liam Cookley and his two great-grandchildren Tatum Dougherty and Crue Dougherty.
Gene is also survived by his sister Bette Rose Lieberman and husband Charles Lieberman, brother-in-law Carl Leshko and wife Donna Leshko, son-in-law Mark Quinn and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, February 8th, 11:00AM at Annunciation Parish, Church of St. Gabriel, 122 S. Wyoming St., Hazleton, with
Father Brian Clark officiating. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m.- 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the Mass. The Eulogy will be at 10:50 a.m. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements under the direction of the Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home, 532 N. Vine Street-Hazleton. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gene may be sent to The Hazleton Rotary
Club. 25 Edge Trail Road, Sugarloaf, PA 18249.
It’s said that “The real power of a man is the size of the smile of the woman sitting next to him”! If you look at pictures of Gene and Ethel, you will see that she is always smiling, as is he—and their life together has surely been a love story to be treasured by the family for generations to come. Rest in peace, Gene, for you did your job and indeed, made many of those who knew you, also smile! Thank You!”