The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Staff would like to send our deepest sympathy to the Dougherty Family. On January 4, 2025, Gene Dougherty passed after a long battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Gene served on the Greater Hazleton Chamber Board of Directors for five years from May of 1968 until May of 1973.

The legacy that Gene leaves at the Chamber of Commerce cannot be told with just the dates of services on our Board of Director roster. The two businesses that Gene led, Billig and Helmes and Kleen Vending Company that became Coffee Services Inc. have combined membership of over 1oo years. Both of these businesses have always been engaged and very active members. Whether it was playing in our annual golf outings, attending mixers hosted by other members or having the businesses participate our annual spring clean-up, they could be counted on to participate. Other activities include; a float in the annual FUNFEST parade, competing in the annual business Christmas decorating contest and serving on various committees like Taste of Hazleton or Transportation task force.

Each year the Chamber celebrates our biggest event in May with the annual meeting. Gene and his wife Ethel were in attendance for 50 plus years of this Chamber staple. When I became the president of the Chamber in 2014, Gene was one of the first to offer assistance and advice from his experience of being a small business owner and former Director on the Chamber’s Board. Gene’s humor, generosity, knowledge of Greater Hazleton and willingness to be an ambassador have had great impact and made our organization and community a better place. Another key contribution from Gene was his encouragement that his daughter Donna get involved in Chamber activities. Donna was elected to serve on the Chamber Board in 2012. She was the Board Chair from 2016 to 2018. Gene supported Donna in these endeavors and was so proud when she was recognized for her community work and Business acumen with the Chamber’s Athena Award in 2019.

We are fortunate at the Chamber to have a rich history built by the outstanding volunteers and businesses that make up our membership. Gene Dougherty is a shining example of what an individual’s commitment and sharing of time talent and treasure can do for an organization like the Chamber. We are blessed to have his impact woven into the work of the Greater Hazelton Chamber. Thank you Gene and May you rest in peace.

PHOTO: The top photo is a 2019 file photo from when Gene honored his daughter, Donna Marie Dougherty, on winning the Athena Award.