Doherty, Gloria J.

ALBANY - Gloria Jean Doherty, 78, passed away October 6, 2022, from a brief battle with cancer, within 24 hours of losing her husband of 58 years, Michael James Doherty. Gloria was born in 1944, to Walter Sr. and Carmilla Piela and grew up in Albany. She was a 1962 graduate of the Academy of the Holy Names, where she received support in helping to raise her brother, Walter Piela, Jr. after the sudden death of their mother. On September 12, 1964, Gloria married her high school sweetheart, Michael Doherty and together they raised 5 children and Gloria’s brother, Walter Piela Jr.

Gloria dedicated her life to helping people and studied Psychology at Russell Sage College where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Community Psychology and Counseling. She became a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor working at Clinical Services in Latham, NY where she developed and facilitated a violence intervention program. In 1997 Gloria set out on her own founding Project Equality in Albany, NY to provide competent, responsible intervention with men who are abusive and/or violent in intimate relationships. Gloria expanded her services to include counseling for both individual men and women, as well as couples counseling. She worked closely with the courts and Albany County Probation and was a member of the Albany County Coalition Against Domestic Abuse, the Albany Community Coalition to Prevent Violence, and the Albany County Re-entry Task Force.

Gloria loved to be surrounded by family and friends, hosting holidays and gatherings at the home she shared with her husband which was filled with so much laughter and love. She could often be found sitting on her front porch enjoying the beautiful gardens, drinking coffee, and reading the newspaper.

In addition to her parents, Gloria was predeceased by her husband Michael James, their son Christopher Doherty; grandson born to heaven, Marshall Connor; her brother Leonard Piela, and her Aunt Gloria (Penny) O’Shaughnessy.

She is survived by her children Michele (David) Gerhard of Voorheesville, Julie (Clifford) Nooney of Feura Bush, Patrick (LeeAnn) Doherty of Guilderland, and Kelly (Bryan) Connor of Ballston Spa, She was a loving grandmother to Ryan Gerhard, Matthew Nooney, Rae (Quill) Nooney, Meaghan Doherty, Kailyn Doherty, Carly Connor, and Avery Connor and sister of Walter Piela, Jr. She is also survived by her cousin, Joni O’Shaughnessy; sisters and brothers- in- law Barbara (Robert) Norton, Thomas (Therese) Doherty, Kathleen (Kurt) Miller as well as many nieces and nephews. The family would also like to recognize Gloria’s best friend Pat Reilly who has been such a blessing in her life. A private memorial will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Community Hospice, 310 So. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.