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Douglas Magnoli Obituary
Resident of Pleasanton
Douglas Edward Magnoli passed away peacefully on July 29, 2014 at the age of 61. Born and raised in Pittsburg, CA, he graduated as De La Salle High School's valedictorian in 1971. He then attended Yale University, graduating in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science, followed by graduate school at UCLA where he earned his PhD in Chemistry in 1980.
After teaching Chemistry while earning his PhD, he entered the workforce as an Analyst for the Center for Naval Analyses (CNA) in Alexandria, VA. After two years in VA he transferred to the CNA offices in Coronado, CA where he spent two more years before joining the Livermore National Laboratory in 1982 as a physicist/analyst. He worked on many interesting and important projects at the lab and contributed information leading to the Ottawa Treaty (which addressed banning use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines). Doug retired after 20 years at LLNL.
He was passionate about worldly culture, language, literature, and cuisine, broadening the horizons of his family and friends with stories of his travels and knowledge from his studies. He also loved music and played many different instruments, including the organ, which he played for the St. David's Episcopal parish.
Doug traveled the world, making lifelong friends as he studied in Prague and vacationed with friends and family throughout Europe, Asia, the Americas, and places too numerous to mention. The people he met throughout his travels many times offered for him to return to their countries and stay with them, meeting their families and touching the lives of all those around him with his great presence and charisma.
Before traveling to foreign countries, he would check out countless books from the Pleasanton Library to help him learn the native languages and cultural norms of the places he was to visit.
Doug is survived by his parents Camilla and Edward of Pleasanton, brother Marc (Lynden) of CT, and sister Lisa (Tom Horrillo) of Dublin, CA, along with his nieces and nephew – Kendal, Kagan and Carmine Magnoli, and Kristin Horrillo. He is also survived by countless friends throughout the world.
Donations can be made to the Friends of the Pleasanton Library, 400 Old Bernal Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Magnoli
Sponsored by East Bay Times.
Gina Ryskind
August 15, 2014
I met Doug in high school and fell in love with him immediately! He was so warm, intelligent and funny! I spent some very happy times with him and his wonderful family. We kept in touch over all of these years and I loved receiving his letters full of stories about his travels...he mastered a new language every year or so! He also was an accomplished scientist and musician--a modern renaissance man! I wish I had had more time with him, and will always want one more hug as only he could give.
Massoud Shayegan
August 8, 2014
For a couple of years before I actually met Doug in 1975-1976, I had frequently slept in his room at the Magnoli residence in Pittsburg as a guest. I was going to College with Marc, Doug's brother, and the Magnolis generously had me at their home during family holidays and long weekends.
Since Doug was going to Yale at the time, I got to sleep in his room.
So, when I finally met Doug for the first time, I already owed him gratitude for the use of his room. At the same time, I thought I knew a little bit about him from looking through his music albums, his books, and the rest of the stuff in his room. Was I surprised!!
The first time I saw Doug, he greeted me in fluent Farsi, my native language. He spoke fluently and correctly. When I asked him where he had learned Farsi so well, he just said, “here and there”. I thought the guy was either a genius or he was pulling my leg.
Well, the more I got to know Doug, the more I realized that he wasn't just an ordinary genius, but a truly humble and astonishing generous one with a special and unforgettable sense of humor. Doug always surprised me with how much he knew about so many things. He shared his knowledge without the slightest hint of arrogance and always with a smile. He had a unique sense of humor and often used it to draw analogies to explain complex scientific facts, mathematics, history, politics, language rules, etc. I often remember our discussions about these serious and perhaps dull subjects. Each time get a good laugh thanks to Doug's sense of humor. There are a lot of geniuses in this world, but not many who are kind, generous, and funny like Doug.
Doug, let's hope at least half the people are right and that there is some kind of life on the other side. In that case, we should have plenty of time to continue our conversations, learn, and laugh while we are at it. Maybe we can even learn Heavenese together.
Rae Kozloff
August 8, 2014
Sorry, I forgot to put my name and city in my entry below.
August 8, 2014
I, like Jane, met Doug in Prague in 1976, where he became a friend of mine, too. His sense of humor kept us laughing, and it was one of the most memorable summers I ever had. Never a dull moment. We stayed in touch all these years, and I always enjoyed his funny letters, phone calls, and visits. Doug had a full life, well lived, he traveled the world and made innumerable friends. I am honored that he considered me one of them, and I will miss him greatly... "Na shledanou," my friend.
Jane Hosticka Fink
August 7, 2014
Doug and I met at Charles University in Prague, 1976. I am of Czech descent and still struggled with the language, but Doug Magnoli was a star! His quick intelligence, his wit, sense of humor and his ear and eye for the peculiarities of Czech language and culture made us fast friends. We managed to see each other a couple times over the years and stayed in touch via the mail. Doug also stayed in touch with my grandmother's cousin, Liduska, who I introduced him to that summer in Prague. He delighted in knowing her and never failed to pay her a visit during his subsequent visits to Prague. She will be very sad, as I am, to hear of Doug's passing. He was a most special and unique man; his energy, enthusiasm and appreciation for others were a real gift for us all.
Merry Luskin
August 4, 2014
I was so sad to hear that Doug passed away. He was a sweet and friendly man who bore his health problems with dignity. I will miss his visits to the library.
Merry Luskin, Librarian, Pleasanton Library
Jeffrey Chow
August 4, 2014
Our deepest sympathies. - Sofia and Jeffrey
Rick Crawford
August 3, 2014
It was great running into him again a few years ago and having some long conversations about his life and all that he had done. He will be missed.
Katherine Domingo
August 3, 2014
Doug and I rode the bus everyday in high school. We got to be great friends on the long ride from Pittsburg to Concord. He helped me pass Algebra by working with me on homework assignments.He was always very patient and helpful. Good natured and upbeat is how I always remembered him. He was so smart learning Greek and Latin in HS. I was just thinking about him last week. God must have had him in mind. I'm not surprised he lived such a full and wonderful life. Doug is one of those people who leave a mark on your life. He is unforgettable.I am so happy he was in my life and part of my youth. Thank you Doug. I will see you again someday soon.
Carolyn Larson
August 2, 2014
I cannot imagine anyone being more talented, intelligent, and focused---yet exceedingly thoughtful and kind than Doug. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Loesje Blankenberg-Shema
August 2, 2014
I am so sorry. I have many fond memories of Doug from high school. God bless him and his family.
Susan Luoni Mills
August 2, 2014
As I child I looked up to Doug like a big brother. He was the most amazing person and I admired him so. He taught all of us so much. With deepest sympathy to the Magnoli family.
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