[1] Doherty's father, J.J. Doherty, a native of County Tyrone and a British AA artillery gunner, served during the Second World War, as did four of Richard's uncles.
J.J. Doherty died of cancer, a result of complications from wounds suffered during the war.
His mother Anna Coyle, who also died of cancer, came from a nationalist background.
Richard Doherty was a Royal Ulster Constabulary reservist from 1972 to 1974 and also served in the Territorial Army.
[2] Richard Doherty was appointed High Sheriff of Londonderry City (2020-21).