Patrick Allen Doherty

OPELOUSAS- A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Patrick “Pat” Allen Doherty, 71, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels in Opelousas, LA. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until recitation of the rosary at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Celebrant of the Funeral Mass will be Bishop-Emeritus, Michael Jarrell, and Rev. Msgr. Keith DeRouen will concelebrate.

Pat was born earlier than expected on April Fools’ Day. He was the fourth child of Miriam Barnett Doherty and James Paul Doherty, Sr. Pat’s surprise birth established a precedent for future experiences throughout his adventurous life.

Those who knew Pat would agree that he was an active, child. He was accident prone and frequently visited the family doctor’s office as a result.

Pat loved his large family which included grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins (several who were his own age.) He was fond of his dog, Tanny, and his horse named Paint.

His academic studies began at Miss Irene’s Kindergarten, followed by twelve years at the Academy of the Immaculate Conception (A.I.C.). He attended Loyola University New Orleans and was a member of Alpha Delta Gamma Fraternity. He enjoyed playing intramural sports: basketball, baseball, and floor hockey. He earned a B.A. degree in Secondary Education from ULL in Lafayette.

Teaching skills and working with young people came naturally to Pat as he parlayed his athletic interests, particularly his devotion to LSU and the Saints, into a profession. He was employed by St. Landry Parish School Board: taught Social Studies at Lawtell Elementary and served as Athletic Director and Coach of the school’s football and basketball programs. He also taught and coached at Northwest High School.

Pat’s faith was very important to him and he lived his life accordingly. He was kind and generous and never spoke badly about people. As one cousin described him, “Pat never met a stranger. He always had a smile or a joke to tell and he made everyone feel like family.”

Cooking was a passion for Pat. He enjoyed working in the food industry, particularly with his sister, Mary and her husband, Frank, at their Florida restaurant. Pat loved to cook for one or 100 people- it made no difference to him. He did it in his easy-going way, generously sharing and taking care of others.

Pat is survived by his siblings: sisters Mary Doherty LeBleau and Miriam Doherty Bourgeois (Richard); his brothers Judge (Ret.) James P. Doherty, Jr. (Sharla) and John Francis Doherty; nieces and nephews, and his childhood friend and former wife, Toby Veltin Doherty.

He was preceded in death by his parents Miriam Barnett Doherty and James Paul Doherty, Sr.

Words of Comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas.