William M. ‘Bill’ Dougherty

SALISBURY —  William M. “Bill” Dougherty, 62, of 30 Weatogue Road died Friday Aug. 18, 2023, at Hartford Hospital surrounded by his loving family.  Bill was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on May 7, 1962, son of the late Maynard and Marcia (Robinson) Dougherty.

Bill owned and operated Bill’s Lawn and Home Care for many years and was a very talented carpenter in his earlier working days.  However, for the past 20 years he has been the Maintenance Manager at the Last Post Cat Sanctuary in Falls Village.  Bill was an active member of  Montgomery Lodge A.F. & A.M. in Lakeville and the former Housatonic Lodge in Canaan.  He held several offices within the lodge during his time there. He was also a member of the NRA and enjoyed Thursday night poker games with his lodge brothers. However, his two greatest passions were his family and his work at the Last Post.  Bill served his country as a member of the U.S. Army from 1981-1985 in which time he was awarded many achievement awards for his strong leadership skills and was a highly regarded tank operator.

Bill is survived by his two daughters: Karrie Rosier of Canaan, and Kristeena Thompson of West Cornwall; and his son:  Donald “Donnie” Tompkins of Canaan.  His brother Kyle Dougherty and his wife Laurie of Orange, Connecticut, as well as their daughter and his niece Kelly, seven grandchildren  DJ Tompkins, Kyle Rosier and Robert William Baker all of Canaan and Michael William Wright, Brynn Thompson, Braelyn Thompson, and Pierce Thompson all of West Cornwall.  Bill is also survived by his former wife Cindy Tompkins of Canaan. He also leaves behind many beloved cousins in Florida.

Bill was predeceased by his parents as well as the love of his life Kimberley Storti Donovan whom he spent 19 wonderful years with.

A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held on Saturday August 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home 118 Main St. North Canaan, CT 06018.  A Masonic Funeral Service will be held  at 5:45 pm.  Burial  will be at a later date at the convenience of the family.  Memorial donations in Bill’s memory may be sent in care of the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home PO Box 815 Canaan, CT 06018.