Dougherty

Michael Scott Dougherty, 64, of Bunker Hill, W.Va., passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025.

Born and raised in Butler, Michael graduated from Butler High School in 1980 and earned a degree in graphic design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 1982.

At an early age, Michael had a gift for expression — he began speaking early and could recite stories and nursery rhymes with remarkable precision. When he was three years old, his adoptive brother, Todd, joined the family and the two shared a deep, inseparable bond. Todd’s passing from leukemia at age 11 left a lasting mark on Michael’s heart. We take comfort in knowing Michael and Todd are reunited in heaven, along with their siblings Jennifer Bayuzik and David Dougherty.

As a boy, Michael found joy and purpose in the Cub Scouts, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for nature and its creatures. His love of birds began early and became a defining part of his life. During high school, he cared for his first parrot, a green macaw, and over the years, he lovingly raised and cared for exotic birds. He also volunteered at bird rescue sanctuaries, where he met close friends who shared his passion. His beloved African Grey, Bub, was known for mimicking Michael’s voice and intonation so perfectly that friends often couldn’t tell them apart.

Michael’s creativity and adventurous spirit found expression in many hobbies, including dirt bike racing, gymnastics, kayaking, camping, exercising and making art. In recent years, he delighted in creating whimsical bird lawn ornaments and engraved art. He loved life on the pastoral West Virginia farm where he lived, surrounded by open skies and the natural beauty he cherished.

Michael’s deep love of freedom, country and family guided his life. He was a loyal friend who never hesitated to lend a hand, and a devoted son who made frequent weeklong visits to help his beloved parents with anything they needed. As a brother, uncle and great-uncle, he loved family gatherings — often arriving with thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts for his siblings, nieces and nephews.

Professionally, Michael worked first as a graphic designer and later as a gaming croupier at Hollywood Casino in Charles Town, W.Va. In every role, he was known for his kindness, humor and easy rapport with both co-workers and patrons. His generosity of spirit and love for life and freedom will be deeply missed by all who knew him — both the people and the creatures whose lives he touched.

Michael is survived by his parents, Ray and Loretta Dougherty, of Butler; his sister, Beth Murphy (Joe), of Baltimore, Md.; and his brother, Sean Dougherty (Thomas Woods), of Charlottesville, Va. He also is survived by nieces, Courtney Bayuzik, of Shepherdstown, W.Va.; Alexandra and Chloe Bayuzik, of Martinsburg, W.Va.; Meredith and nephew, JP Murphy, of Baltimore, Md.; great-nephew, Kai Jackson; and great-niece, Nora Cato; and many beloved cousins and lifelong friends from Butler, Atlanta, Ga., and West Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Todd; sister, Jennifer; and brother, David.

Michael will be remembered for his generous heart, creative spirit and the joy he brought to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

DOUGHERTY — Friends and family of Michael Scott Dougherty, who died Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER, 856 Evans City Road, Renfrew.

A Christian service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at Hill United Presbyterian Church, 501 2nd St., Butler. There will be a gathering hour beginning at 10 a.m., prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Hill United Presbyterian Deacon Fund, 501 2nd St., Butler, PA 16001.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.