Obituary

Martin Jay Doherty

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our precious husband, father and grandfather Martin Jay Doherty, affectionately known as “Marty” to all who knew and loved him.  Marty was born on June 8, 1938, in Manhattan, to Mary Kate and John Joseph Doherty. He passed away peacefully at his home on September 4, 2024, in Mission Viejo, California.

Marty graduated from Mount Saint Michael Academy in Bronx, New York, where he lettered in track and field. The first to go to college in his family, Marty earned his bachelor’s degree from Iona University in 1960.  While at Iona, he developed a love for theater and acting and spent two summers after college performing summer stock theater at Lake Luzerne in upstate New York. In 1961, Marty joined the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving on active duty until 1965 and reserve duty through 1970.

Marty married his loving wife, Carolyn in Indianapolis, Indiana on July 30, 1966, and together they planted roots in Southern California. They eventually settled in Mission Viejo in 1969, where they built their lives and raised their children, Amy and Chad.  Marty and Carolyn proudly celebrated 58 years of marriage just months before he passed.

Marty went on to law school graduating from Western State College of Law in 1975. He spent his legal career with the law firm Portigal Hammerton & Allen, from which he retired in 1994. Thereafter, he devoted all his time to his family and happily transitioned from law firm partner to busy househusband and eventually beloved Grandpa.

Marty enjoyed cooking, working in the yard, reading, and watching his favorite sports teams. He was a proud veteran and Irishman. His greatest passion was taking care of his family and spending time with his grandchildren. Marty was a man of integrity, strong character, loyalty and dedication. If you needed him, he was there and could always make things better.

Marty is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Carolyn, and his two children: Amy Lessa (husband Tony) of Carlsbad, CA; and Chad Doherty (wife Lisa) of Aliso Viejo, CA; four cherished grandchildren: Luke and Olivia (Amy’s children); and Nolan and Cassidy (Chad’s children); his loving sisters, Kathy Breslin of Tucson, AZ; and Patricia Simari of Sedona, AZ; and many nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and by his beloved little brother “Johnny” Doherty (wife Linda) of Baldwin, NY, who unexpectedly passed less than two months prior and was undoubtedly waiting anxiously to greet him in Heaven.

Marty’s legacy of hard work, loyalty, support, love and dedication for his family will always be remembered. He was the rock and foundation of his family and is already so deeply missed.

A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday September 24, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at O’Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills, California, followed by a 2:15 graveside service with military honors at his final resting place at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, California 92122.

The family is deeply grateful for the support and prayers of family and friends. Rest in peace our precious husband, father and grandpa; we love you so much and look forward to the day we will see you again.