Obituary: Jack Doheny, Sewer Cleaning Industry Champion
Doheny
On Jan. 1,the vacuum truck and sewer cleaning industry lost a champion and leader. John “Jack” Leary Doheny, founder of Jack Doheny Companies, died with his children Kay, Michael and Mary Jo by his side.
Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Nov. 13, 1930, to Earl and Margaret Doheny, Jack became an industry leader through his commitment and dedication to the maintenance of sanitary sewer systems. After serving his country in the United States Air Force, Jack joined his uncle’s company traveling across the United States with his father to demonstrate coiled and sectional rodding machines.
In 1973 he started his own business Jack Doheny Supplies, which today is under the Jack Doheny Companies umbrella. Jack Doheny Companies is North America’s largest provider of sewer cleaning, pipeline inspection, and multi-use vacuum trucks for sale, rental, service, parts and training.
When interviewed in 2014 as a NASSCO Standard Bearer, Jack shared, “I believe it would be hard to find anyone who is against sewer clean-up. It’s as American as Chevrolet and apple pie. For me, it’s also a family tradition. My father lived to be 107 and was instrumental in changing the way sewers are cleaned. I am proud to be part of this legacy and hope to follow in his footsteps to contribute to this great industry for many years to come.”
Jack did just that. With representation in all 50 states, plus Canada, and with hundreds of people employed by Doheny Companies, Jack’s legacy will continue on.
“My dad was happiest when he was working,” said Kay Doheny, CEO and owner of Doheny Companies. “Even in his last days he talked about taking care of our customers, but what he found most satisfying throughout his career was finding ways to help people succeed.”
Perhaps Jack’s greatest legacy, however, was the love and pride he had for his family. Preceded in death by his first wife Edith in 1997, as well as brothers Patrick and Thomas, Jack is survived by Patricia Roux Doheny, his wife of 19 years; siblings Jean Partridge, Jerry and Michael; children Kay, Michael [Clare], Mary Jo [Kirk]; grandchildren Ryan, Jack, Thomas, Christine, Stacey, Andrew, Sara, Albert Henry, Laura [Spencer], John and James. Jack also received loving care and compassion from his caregiver, Tammy Kelley, among so many others that helped Jack enjoy his final years.
Visitation will be Jan. 5 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the L.J. Griffin Funeral Home, 19091 Northville Road, Northville, Michigan. Jack will be in state on Jan. 6 at Our Lady of Victory Church, 133 Orchard Drive, Northville, Michigan, followed by a funeral mass at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions by check or credit card may be made to:
The Jack Doheny Memorial PACP Scholarship
2470 Longstone Lane, Suite M
Marriottsville, MD 21104
Attn: Doheny Memorial
