April 2, 2025

A funeral Mass for Deacon Bruce Wayne Daugherty will be celebrated by Bishop Terry LaValley on April 2 at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Church in Watertown. A reception will follow at Elks Lodge 496.

Burial in East Newark Cemetery, Newark, New York, will be at his family’s convenience. 

Deacon Daugherty passed away at his home, in true Irish fashion, on St. Patrick’s Day March 17, 2025, at the age of 72.

Born in Hastings, Nebraska, on July 25, 1952, he was raised on his family farm, the eldest son of five children born to Roger W. and Mary Lou (Smith) Daugherty. He was a graduate of Hastings High School (Class of 1970) and briefly attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney, before joining the Army in 1972.

It was at Kearney where he met his future wife, love of his life, and constant companion Elizabeth (Yanaitis); they were married at St. Joseph’s Church in Penfield, New York, on January 25, 1975. Stories of their wedding reception are still talked of fondly by those who were in attendance. The couple recently celebrated their 50th anniversary.

Deacon Daugherty would go on to spend 20 years serving his country before retiring in 1992 at the rank of Sergeant First Class. During this time, he received a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College and eventually his Masters of Science Degree in Counseling from SUNY Oswego.

Bruce was a member of the American Legion and Elks Lodge 496 (Watertown). His favorite pastimes were reading at least six books at a time, old Western movies, fishing, and telling jokes and stories to everyone within earshot. The loss of his retellings will be greatly missed but will certainly not be forgotten.

Most importantly to him, and his deep faith, he was ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church in 2003 and spent the rest of his days serving at several area churches including Holy Family (Watertown), St. Mary’s (Clayton), and St. Cyril’s (Alexandria Bay). Being able to serve the wonderful people of the diocese, he could often be heard singing or joining in harmony with the choir, all to share “This little light of mine.”

Service to others truly was his passion, and after retiring from the military he worked as an Adult Protective worker for Jefferson County and then as a Chaplain for NYS Corrections covering the Jefferson County Hub, serving mainly Cape Vincent and Watertown.

Despite his Midwest upbringing, and time spent across the globe in the Army, he spent the last 30+ years living in Watertown and Clayton. He genuinely loved and considered the North County his home due in great part to the presence of his children and grandchildren. They were a constant source of pride, happiness, and love in his life.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his daughter, Christin M. (Anthony) Filippelli, and son, Daniel E. (Kelly) Daugherty, both of Watertown. He cherished the nickname “Grandpa Batman” given to him by his five grandchildren, Anthony, Joseph and Ian Filippelli, and Caitlin and Brendan Daugherty. Additionally, he is survived by two sisters and their husbands, Nancy (Kurt) Hoberg, Texas, and Elizabeth (Buddy) Hoffman, Florida,; a brother, Brent Daugherty of New York City; one brother-in-law Stephen Yanaitis, Watertown; and one niece and several cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Brian Daugherty.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be directed to the Northern New York Community Foundation, 131 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601 and designated for the Bruce W. Daugherty Memorial Scholarship Fund (to be established).

Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc. and online condolences to Bruce’s family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com.