OBITUARY: John F. Doherty, III, 72, Longtime Wilmington Finance Committee Chair

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — John Francis Doherty, III passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday, February 21, 2026. John was born in Lowell, MA on December 7, 1953. He was the son of the late John F. Doherty II and the late Winifred (Marsden) Doherty.

John graduated from Lowell High School in 1973 and Lowell Technological Institute in 1975 with a degree in Business Management. John owned the Wilmington Insurance Agency in Wilmington, MA for over 40 years. He considered his clients friends, and he was passionate about working with members of the Town of Wilmington.

John relocated to Wilmington after meeting his soulmate, M Teri LaBella; they shared a wonderful 39 years until her passing in 2021. They loved to travel together and with friends and family.

John was a long-time Chairperson of the Wilmington Finance Committee and active in the Wilmington Rotary for many years. He was proud to serve as President and treasurer of Rotary.

John’s passion was all things Disney. After a trip to Disneyworld in 1971, John became fascinated with the workings of Disney and could tell you anything you wanted to know about it. He traveled to Disney over 100 times.

John was always up for a trip to Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun.

John is survived by his sister, Joanne Doherty and her fiancé Larry Howarth, of Lowell. He is also survived by Teri’s daughter and granddaughter, Stacy LaBella and Cecilia LaBella of Billerica.

Family and friends are invited for visitation at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave, Wilmington, on Sunday, March 1st, from 2-5 p.m. A celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Wilmington Rotary Club, PO Box 503, Wilmington, MA 01887 or a charity of one’s choice.