Thomas N. Doherty

Thomas Norman Doherty, 69, of Cumru/Robeson Township, died suddenly December 6, 2012 in the loving arms of his wife and soul mate of 47 years, Ann V Doherty. Born in Philadelphia, PA on December 23, 1942, he was a son of the late Norman L. and Alberta (Allen) Doherty, and the adored nephew of Sylvia M. Doherty, who raised him.

He was a graduate of Roxborough High School, Philadelphia and attended MIT and Drexel University. Most lessons were learned through life and the understanding of people.

His storied career included working at Univac, CDC, Grumman, TWA, Firestone, Bechtel, GE and Tredegar, but is best known for his lifetime passion of trains as the owner of Doherty's Crafts and Hobbies and Pennsylvania Heritage Models, where he produced high quality, award winning model trains and trolleys. His crowning achievement as a electrical/nuclear engineer was to make sure that all of our families would be safe through his innovations to monitor the integrity of the core reactor. He obtained the prestigous honor of becoming a member of the Elfun Society for his lifetime contributions.

Tom was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Gilbraltar, where he served on the church council for many years.

He was also active with several railroad preservation organizations, projects and museums. One of his great achievements included the saving of 2 trolleys in coordination with the Army Corp. of Engineers and a historical society. These trolleys, Reading Briney Trolley #506, and a Philadelphia Trolley, are on display at the Electric City Trolley Museum at Scranton, PA for all current and future generations to enjoy.

He is survived by two children: Donna D., wife of Stuart L. Higgins of Robeson Township and Thomas W., husband of Michele L. (Bashore) Doherty of Allentown.

He was blessed with the good fortune of four grandchildren: Cameron M. Higgins, Carolyn S. Higgins, Nathan T. Doherty and Ryan J. Doherty.

Our friends and family are invited to a viewing to share the beautiful stories of an extraordinary life our of beloved husband and dad on Tuesday December 11, 2012 between 6:30 and 8 pm at Edward J Kuhn Funeral Home Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading, PA 19611 and again Wednesday morning from 11:00 until 11:30 am at St. John' s Church Old River Road Gibraltar, PA. Services will begin Wednesday at 11:00 am in the Church.

To honor the gift of life from the most generous person who donated their liver to Tom we ask that contributions be made to Methodist Health Care Foundation,1211 Union Ave. Suite 450,Memphis, TN 38104, C/O- Transplant Resource Center.

For online condolences, visit www.kuhnfuneralhome.com