‘Man of honor:’ Webster family raises $11K for young golfers in retired jail deputy’s memory

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – Giving back in the wake of tragedy is the mission of a local family, after the passing of their beloved father, grandfather, and partner.

Retired Monroe County jail deputy Thomas Doherty died in a crash in January .

Along with his love for family, friends, and serving the community, Doherty shared a true passion for golf.

His loved ones recently held a golf tournament in his honor and raised $11,000 to support local high school golf programs. His family says it was only a fitting, and full circle, tribute.

The tournament was held at Blue Heron Hills in Macedon, where Doherty belonged as a member.

“It’s tough because you know you’re having a great event, but you’re missing the man of honor. However, we were all determined to have an excellent day,” said Kari Bittner, Doherty’s partner.

Shortly after New Years Day, Doherty and Bittner were hit by another vehicle along Rt. 441 in Walworth.

Bittner was in the passenger seat and survived. In the months that followed, she says the family wanted to do something to honor him, while giving back at the same time.

“If he met somebody who showed even a little interest in golf, he might even bring them a used golf club. One of those very people was playing in the tournament and brought back to me a used golf club that Tommy had given to him many years ago,” Bittner said, “That’s the exact spirit of what is going to happen now because of this money we raised that we can give.”

With the support of dozens of sponsors, community members, and players, the Doherty family raised $11,000, which will soon go to five youth golf programs locally. Those include Rochester’s East High, Gananda High, and three teams in Webster.

“Overwhelming is the word that I would use. It’s such an overwhelming amount of support, that I know I’m not alone and it’s really, really nice. It’s really reassuring,” said Doherty’s daughter, Bridget Turkington.

Doherty was a 25-year veteran with MCSO’s jail division. Along with being an avid golfer, he was a beloved member of Rochester’s Irish community.

Those close to him are hopeful this tournament will be one more way to carry out his legacy.

“His love of golf is going to be shared to people he never met. It’s just continuing in the same method, as he always operated,” said Bittner.

New York State Police are overseeing the investigation into the crash. At this time, there is no word on any potential charges against the 18-year-old driver involved.

Meanwhile, the family intends to deliver the checks to the respective schools in the coming days.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.