Douglas H. Doller, a volunteer Nyack firefighter for more than 54 years who was recently named an Honorary Battalion Chief, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011, after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer.
A lifelong resident of Rockland County, Mr. Doller was born May 3, 1939 in Nyack to the late Josephine and Frederick Doller. Mr. Doller met the former Mary Walsh, whom he called "the love of his life" and they married Aug. 27, 1961, in St. Peter's R.C. Church, Haverstraw. Mr. Doller deeply loved his family and was devoted and happily married to Mary for 50 years.
Mr. Doller studied at Farleigh Dickinson University and was employed by ITT Continental Baking Company for more than 30 years, retiring in May 2000. He and his wife Mary enjoyed traveling and they spent a good deal of time vacationing throughout Europe and the United States.
Mr. Doller was a proud volunteer firefighter with over 54 years of active service as a member of the Nyack Fire Department and Highland Hose Co. No. 5. As a member of Highland he held various line officers positions within the company. He also represented Highland Hose as their Fire Commissioner, a position he held since 1989. He recently was honored to be named as Honorary Battalion Chief of the Nyack Fire Department.
Surviving is his beloved wife, Mary, his children, Jacqueline Gaspard of Valley Cottage, Douglas of New City, Sandra Lynn of Highland Falls and Kurt of Irvington, NY, along with his three grandchildren, Ashley, Andreia and Andrew Gaspard. Also surviving is his sister, Jacqueline Meyers of West Nyack, brother, Ken Doller of Congers and many numerous nieces and nephews.
Visiting will be on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Joseph W. Sorce Funeral Home Inc., 728 West Nyack Rd., West Nyack, (845)358-4433, where Firematic Services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Services will be held on Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 130 First Ave., Nyack. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Nyack.
