The Panther Valley Irish American Association paid tribute to Dr. Joseph J. Dougherty of Coaldale for his contributions as a “family doctor.”

Dr. Dougherty, a native of Ireland, was born in County Donegal in 1887. The family settled in the Lansford area, then moved to Summit Hill. Dr. Dougherty graduated from Mount St. Mary’s College, Emmitsburg, Md., and received his medical degree at Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia. He served his internship in Pottsville Hospital and in 1938, he joined the late Dr. William Clewell in the practice of medicine in Coaldale.

Dr. Francis Dougherty, of Pottsville, a pediatrician and Dr. Michael Dougherty, of Jim Thorpe, a retired dentist, are his surviving brothers.

He is married to the former Lorraine Dever of Mauch Chunk. They have two sons, James. J., of Adelphia, Md., an assistant professor at the University of Maryland and Joseph, a teacher in Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Washington, D.C.

Representative Martin P. Mullen, chairman of the House Minority Appropriations Committee, was the guest speaker.

Steve Allison, president of the Association, introduced the toastmaster, James H. Gildea. Dr. John Polumbo, Lansford’s mayor, gave the address of welcome. Musical entertainment was provided by John Shober, Jo Botek, Frank Wehr and the Three Chefs.

Rt. Rev. Monsignor J. Francis Haley, St. Joseph’s Parish, Summit Hill, pronounced the benediction. Rt. Rev. Monsignor J. Francis Haley, chaplain of the Association, asked the invocation.