Michael J. Doherty

Michael “Mike” Doherty, 64, of Burlington, MA and York Beach, ME., passed away unexpectedly at home on August 15, 2025. He was born at Symmes Hospital in Arlington, MA to the late Marguerite Doherty (Donovan) and late Eugene Doherty and is survived by his brothers Steven of Boston, MA, Paul and his wife Ann of Burlington, MA, his nephew Matthew Doherty, of Somerville, MA and his nieces Megan and Georgia Doherty, of Burlington, MA. Michael is also survived by his aunts and uncle, Eileen and Paul Magnant of Tyngsboro, MA, Camille “Cookie” Donovan, of Arlington, MA and York, ME and Cookie’s late husband, Jim Donovan, plus many cousins and friends.

Michael received his undergraduate degree from Northeastern University and a master’s degree in criminal justice and went on to a career as a Police Officer of 30+ years with the Everett, MA police force, retiring in 2015. Mike was deeply involved with Malden Catholic (MC) High School in Malden, MA, serving as an assistant coach for lacrosse, football, and basketball—and as head coach of the freshman basketball team. He was recently inducted into the MC Hall of Fame for his role with the 2004 lacrosse team. While on disability from the force recovering from a neck injury, Mike taught history and psychology at MC and was happy to help with Bingo at both MC and Pope John XXII High School (Class of 1979) in Everett.

Michael lived a life of service, mentorship, and generosity. He was outspoken but always available to support and entertain his family and friends. He loved to go fishing on his boat in York, take a ride on his motorcycle or take a flight after receiving his pilot’s license.

Mike loved his late dog Boru (named after the first king of Ireland) with all his heart and was adored by the Facebook group, Doggies of Long Sands Beach in York, always carrying treats for the next pup to walk by and would deliver a hug, ball toss, tug or butt scratch to all his adopted puppies. “Uncle Mike”, who could be spotted wearing his cowboy hat at any time, had many beach friends that enriched his life. For years, Mike played drums and bagpipes with the Kevin Barry Irish American Pipes & Drums along with his Uncle Paul Welch and cousin Shane Welch. A dual citizen, Mike was very proud of his Irish American heritage and read multiple Irish newspapers daily and kept apprised of the ongoings in Donegal, Ireland.

Mike loved to travel to Florida, where for years he had a condo as well as to NASCAR races, professional bull riding rodeo events and was a diehard Parrothead. Mike played guitar and his music tastes included The Beatles, country and Irish music.
 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to York Animal Hospital, 88 Route 1, York, ME 03909 or Malden Catholic High School, 99 Crystal St., Malden, MA 02148 in his honor.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael J. Doherty, please visit our floral store.