Thomas P. Dougher, Jr.

Thomas P. Dougher, 76, of Harrison, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, April 16, 2026. A lifelong resident of Harrison, Tom was a “helper”—a veteran, a firefighter, a 9/11 first responder, a devoted husband and father who made all the difference in his community and the lives of those who loved him.

Tom enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at HQ. Co. US Army Garrison, Long Binh, Republic of South Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. After active duty, Tom served in the New Jersey National Guard at the Armory in Jersey City. He worked for Owens-Illinois Glass Company in North Bergen, NJ. Tom went on to become a career firefighter with the Harrison Fire Department, retiring in 2011 after 27 years of service. In 2001, Tom was awarded the Hometown Hero Award for performing CPR on a Catholic priest who was visiting from Poland. In 2017, Tom was named the Hudson County Veteran of the Year, and was also recognized as an Outstanding Veteran by the NJ Statewide Multicultural Association. In 2018, he was named Citizen of the Year by the Harrison Lions Club. Tom was a recipient of the American Legion Community Service Award. He was Commander of the William Sawelson VFW Post 340, a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Council 402, and a member of the American Legion Post 282, all of Harrison.

Tom’s extraordinary service to his community and country was only surpassed by his dedication to his family. Tom was the cherished son of the late Thomas and Helen (Trypuc) Dougher. He enjoyed 36 years of marriage to his beloved wife Elaine (Michaelson). Tom was a loving father to Thomas, Amy Solorzano (Aleck), and the late Daniel. He was a proud grandfather to Marcelo Solorzano. He was the dear brother of Helen (Arlene), Joseph (Diane) and the late John. He was the brother-in-law of Nancy and Nicholas Tworischuk, and Joan Michaelson. He was “Uncle Tommy” to Andrew Tworischuk, John Dougher, and Michelle Dougher.

Tom was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and kayaking. He was a past member of the Lower Longwood Lake Cabin Owners Association. He loved spending summers down the shore with his family in Wildwood Crest. Tom enjoyed playing the NJ Lottery and took many trips to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and various racetracks. He loved sitting outside on “The Edge”—his driveway—to enjoy the sunshine and greet his neighbors. Tom courageously fought a 9-year battle with Parkinson’s disease and will be remembered for his warmth, humor, and quiet strength. He was a hero in every sense of the word.

Tom’s family is forever grateful for all the assistance they received from the Harrison Fire Department and the NJ State Firemen’s Association. They are also deeply grateful for the care Tom received from Visiting Angels (Bayonne, NJ) and Firefighters First, LLC Home Health Care.  

The funeral will be conducted from the Mulligan Funeral Home  331 Cleveland Avenue, Harrison, NJ 07029  on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Cross Church, Harrison on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. His Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 21st  from 3:00 to 7:00  p.m. and Wednesday morning, April 22nd  after 9:00 a.m.

If you would like to send the family a condolence message or share a fond memory of Thomas, please visit www.mulliganfh.com.

Memorial contributions honoring Tom may be made to the Harrison FMBA Local No. 22 (634 Sussex Street, Harrison, NJ 07029). Please also consider making a donation to the Daniel Jude Dougher Memorial Scholarship Fund, which benefits students at High Tech High School. Contributions can be made to the HCST Foundation (Frank J. Gargiulo Campus, One High Tech Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094—kindly list Daniel Jude Dougher Memorial Scholarship on the check memo line.)

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