D.C. tycoon, philanthropist Leonard Doggett Jr., 87, dies

By David C. Lipscomb | Friday, August 15, 2008

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Leonard "Bud" Doggett Jr., a D.C. businessman , parking tycoon and philanthropist, died of natural causes at his home in Northwest on Wednesday. He was 87.

Mr. Doggett lead the family commercial parking business, Doggett's National Parking Associations as he pioneered the parking industry.

A past president of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, Mr. Doggett played a major role in the economic development of the District and is remembered as a man of charitable works.

"Bud Doggett was a devoted son of our great city and worked tirelessly for its betterment," said Bill Couper, chairman of the Board of Trade. "His charitable efforts were unmatched, setting the example for how business leaders should and could give back to the community."

Friends and colleagues said Mr. Doggett had a hand in charitable projects throughout the District but chose to do much of the work behind the scenes.

"Bud was a fixture in Washington business, and his loss will be felt by so many people in our community," said Washington, D.C."

Washington Convention Center in Northwest among other projects, though his name was not widely associated with them outside of the business community.

"He was a generational figure," said Mr. Evans. "He was instrumental in making Washington, D.C., a first-rate city."

But Mr. Doggett is perhaps best known for his involvement in an organization that was set up to allow business leaders to offer their assistance while remaining out of the spotlight.

In 1964, Mr. Doggett established Heroes Inc., a foundation that offers financial assistance to the families of local police and firefighters who died in the line of duty.

The organization is made up of anonymous leaders in the business community who raise money for the families, offer financial counseling and provide college scholarships.

"He had a big heart and was always there for anything the police and fire department needed," said Deputy Fire Chief Kenneth Crosswhite. "He was a humble guy."

Mr. Doggett was born in 1920 in an Irish neighborhood at 21st and K Streets Northeast.

He graduated from Gen. George S. Patton during World War II.

When he returned, he went into the parking business started in 1926 by his parents Leonard Doggett Sr. and Rose Marie Doggett.

Family friend John Tydings said Mr. Doggett's Irish background gave him a unique sense of humor that complemented his outgoing personality.

"His Irish wit and storytelling is something people admire," said Mr. Tydings, who met Mr. Doggett in 1968 when they got stuck in an elevator at the Board of Trade. "He could tell a story like no one could."

Mr. Doggett was preceded in death by his first wife, Gladys, and son Leonard B. Doggett III.

He is survived by his second wife, Cherrie W. Doggett, of the District, and daughter Fla.

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