Town Gathers to Bid Farewell to Scott Doty

A line of people wound out the door of Shinn Funeral Home yesterday, as family and friends gathered to bid farewell to Scott Doty, Barnegat School District's lead mechanic who died last Sunday during a race in New Egypt. 

Many people at the funeral home opted to honor Doty's memory by donning clothes that reflected his diverse range of passions, including racing and soccer shirts. 

Eighteen-year-old Shaun Carroll wore a soccer jersey in memory of "Coach Scott."

"I saw Coach Scott pretty much every day," Carroll told a Patch reporter. "I've known him since I was very young." Carroll recalled Doty as an inspiring coach who always pushed the Barnegat Soccer Club to do their best. 

Meanwhile, over at Barnegat Township municipal hall, flags flew at half mast in Doty's memory.

Mayor Al Cirulli said that the township wanted to honor Doty's memory, since he was so loved in town. Cirulli said he was not surprised to hear about the turnout at Doty's funeral yesterday. He recalled a 2007 fire in Barnegat Township, where the town pulled together as a community to support one another.

"I am always so proud of the residents of this town in times like these," Cirulli said. "Businesses, individuals, everyone, they really pull together and support one another." 

Doty's influence was so widespread across the community, it is little wonder why so many people wanted to share their memories and pay their last respects to him. He did everything for his hometown of Barnegat, like building his race car from scratch, painting it with the Bengal colors of orange and black and racing number "4" at the New Egypt Speedway.

Doty died Sunday morning of a heart issue at a hospital near the speedway after working nearly two decades in the Barnegat school system. He was a high school student in the late 1980s when he started working for the district's transportation department as part of a work-study program. Through his hard work and dedication he was later promoted to lead diesel mechanic where he prided himself with the safety of the children in this town. He remained with Barnegat School District for more than 24 years until his death.

Doty leaves behind his beloved wife Kimberly and their four children: Ryan Fogarty, Nicholas Fogarty, and his babies Scott William Doty Jr. and Kassandra Jayne Doty. 

Friends recalled Doty as a great friend and family man who will be missed. 

As is written in his obituary: "Rest in sweetest peace ... but we know your peace is muddy, noisy, and smells of gasoline."