Michael J. Dougherty, 66, cardiologist

Michael Joseph Dougherty, 66, a cardiologist at Lankenau Hospital for 31 years, died of pancreatic cancer Tuesday at home in Haverford.

Dr. Dougherty grew up in Chester Heights and graduated from Archmere Academy in Wilmington. He earned a bachelor's degree from St. Joseph's College and a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

He met his future wife, Mary Louise "Mitch" Mitchell, when he was a medical student on rotation at the VA Medical Center in Philadelphia, where she was a student nurse.

Dr. Dougherty interned and completed a medical residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and did residencies in cardiology at the University of North Carolina and Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, while in the Army. He was also stationed at the Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii for more than three years. He looked back fondly on those days when he sailed his boat, the White Gorilla, off Honolulu, his wife said.

After his discharge, Dr. Dougherty became a partner with the Kelly Cardiovascular Group at Lankenau in Wynnewood. Though his cancer was diagnosed in March, he worked until three weeks ago, his wife said.

He loved sailing, skiing and tennis. A history buff, he was content to relax on a beach or by his backyard pool with a stack of books, his wife said. He enjoyed a good sports match and knew the scores for most professional and college games, she said.

In addition to his wife of 37 years, Dr. Dougherty is survived by a son, Matthew, and a daughter, Mary Paige.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Frank C. Videon Funeral Home, 2001 Sproul Rd., Broomall, and after 9:15 a.m. tomorrow at St. John Neumann Church, 330 Highland Ave., Bryn Mawr, where a Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Township.