Percy H. Dougherty, Ph.D.
OBITUARY
Percy H. Dougherty, Ph.D., passed away at his home in Wescosville, PA, on May 17 following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 83.
Born to Percy Dougherty Sr. and Anna (née Cloud) Dougherty, he had a distinguished career as an educator. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Geography from West Chester University and a Doctorate in Geography from Boston University.
Percy brought energy and passion to teaching at every level, from secondary schools to major universities, including The College of New Jersey (then Trenton State College) and the University of Cincinnati. In 1985, he joined Kutztown University, where he became a tenured professor of geography and later department chair, mentoring generations of students until his retirement in 2006.
Percy served on the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission for 38 years, was a Lehigh County commissioner for 28 years, and was Pennsylvania County Commissioner President in 2007. In 2021 the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania honored him as Commissioner of the Year, and in 2025 the Lehigh County Planning Commission presented him with the inaugural Percy Dougherty Planning Award to honor his decades of service to the region.
A forward-thinking advocate for innovation, Percy championed the early adoption of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Lehigh Valley government, a decision that saved millions of dollars and modernized regional planning. The GIS Conference Room at the Lehigh Valley Government Center now bears his name, a fitting tribute to his vision and persistence.
Percy’s intellectual pursuits were matched only by his zest for life. A passionate oenophile, he led the Lehigh Valley chapter of the American Wine Society, serving as chairman for 12 years. In 2015 he was named Chairman of the Year by the national organization for growing the local chapter into the largest in the country. During his tenure he qualified as a wine judge, officiating at numerous tastings in the region. He edited and authored chapters of “The Geography of Wine: Regions, Terroir and Techniques.”
An avid caver, he and his students at Kutztown explored caves in Kentucky, Colorado, and Belize. He edited and contributed to the book “Caves and Karst of Kentucky.”
Percy was married for 59 years to Anne (née Zinn) Dougherty. The couple traveled to all 50 US states and all seven continents, sharing a love of great wine, memorable meals, and the thrill of new experiences.
He is survived by his wife, Anne, two sons, Robert (Robin) of Alburtis, and Thomas of Harrison, Ohio, as well as two grandsons, Aidan and Samuel.
Services: A viewing will be held from 9 to 11 AM and the service from 11 AM to noon on Friday, May 22, 2026 at Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 1629 W. Hamilton Street, Allentown, www.BKRFH.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kutztown University Geography department.