Stephen S. Doherty

Stephen S Doherty, 61, of Newbury MA, died peacefully at home on Monday, October 5th 2026, surrounded by his adoring family.

Born on April 9th 1965 to Mary (Brosnahan) Heneghan and John Doherty in Somerville MA, Stephen was raised in Charlestown MA, a community he was proud to represent throughout his life.

A 1985 graduate of Arlington Catholic High School, Stephen went on to attend Unity College in Maine, where he studied Outdoor Recreation. He then attended Stonehill College, and UMass Boston, where he studied Political Science. On October 5th 2002, Stephen married the love of his life, his ‘Goose’, Obeida Doherty. Together they raised two children, Andy and Jonny, of whom he was immeasurably proud.

Stephen worked for Boston Harbor Cruises, and later retired from the MWRA as a mechanic. Whether on the deck of a ship in Boston Harbor or maintaining equipment on Deer Island, Stephen took great pride in his work. But he also used these experiences as opportunities to meet and to connect with people, many of whom became lifelong friends.

To say that Stephen loved and adored his family cannot be overstated. He often talked about how lucky he was to be married to his wife Obeida, and to be the father of two incredible sons. Fatherhood was something he never took for granted, teaching his boys about the outdoors; how to both respect and enjoy it, as well as how to be a person of integrity, compassion, and high moral character.

Stephen’s upbringing in Charlestown instilled in him a strong sense of street smarts. “Head on Swivel”, he used to say. But his Townie roots also instilled in him a strong sense of community, which he carried with him throughout his life. This led him to build many strong friendships, and Stephen’s friends were as devoted to him as he was to them. This was evidenced by his many nicknames; Steve-O, Ditzo, and Matches, just to name a few. The friends he made growing up, and in college, playing lacrosse, truly became his family. And he continued to add to this long list of friends throughout his life. An avid outdoorsman, Stephen loved hiking, camping, kayaking, and skiing with his friends and family. But he was also content being alone, where he found peace in the solitude and beauty of nature.

Music wasn’t just something Stephen loved, it was an essential part of who he was. This was clear to all who knew him, as Stephen had an encyclopedic knowledge of 80’s new wave and 90’s alternative artists, both popular and obscure.

He is survived by his loving wife, Obeida (Parra) Doherty, and his two adoring sons, Andrew and Jonathan; his siblings John Doherty of Newburyport, Phillip Doherty of Milton, Deborah Doherty of South Carolina, and Janice Doherty of California. He also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Stephen was preceded in death by his beloved mother Mary Heneghan, his father John Doherty and his step-father Richard Heneghan.

Calling Hours will be on Friday October 9th from 4 pm to 7 pm at Ellott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport, MA. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday October 10th, at the Immaculate Conception Church, 42 Green Street in Newburyport, MA. Donations may be made in Stephen’s honor to Care Dimensions Hospice  or It Takes a Herd Foundation, a program that connects horses with individuals living with dementia and their care partners.

Stephen’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Care Dimensions Hospice and to all of the friends and family who came to help and support Stephen throughout this difficult journey. Stephen’s family will also be forever grateful to Julio Hinojosa Flores for the love, compassion, and devoted care he gave Stephen.