Mooney, Douglas P. SAN DIEGO -- Dr. Douglas P. Mooney passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on September 18, 2014. Doug was born on July 16, 1929 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Frank and Helen Mooney and grew up in Toledo, Ohio. He received his B.A. at University of Michigan, and his M.S. and M.D. degrees at Ohio State University. He served as a Captain in the Air Force Medical Corps stationed in West Palm Beach, Florida. He married Lynn Ward in 1955 and they raised three children Douglas Jr., Bob and Colleen. The family relocated to San Diego when the Rees-Steely Clinic hired him as its cardiologist. Dr. Mooney was prominent in shaping the medical community of San Diego. He maintained a private practice and was also a professor at the UCSD School of Medicine, Medical Director of the Southern California Medical Review Board and involved in research for many pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Mooney served on staff at Mercy Hospital for over 40 years, where he was appointed Chief of Staff, Chief of Medicine, Medical Director of the Mercy Family Medical Group and a member of the teaching staff. He was a caring doctor who always made house calls and emergency room visits to comfort his patients. As a devout Catholic, Dr. Mooney donated his services to caring for many priests and nuns. His father taught him to play poker, the skills of which he used to win his first car. He was an avid skier and often swam the La Jolla Rough Water mile race. Dr. Mooney is remembered by everyone whose lives he touched as a kind and loving husband, father, physician and friend. He was preceded in death by his brother Frank George Mooney. He is survived by his loving family: wife Lynn, son Douglas Jr. (Liz), son Bob (Irene), daughter Colleen (Ed Plecha, M.D.) and seven terrific grandchildren: Doug and Sean Mooney; Natalie, Marilyn and Bob Mooney and John and Claire Plecha. Donations in his memory can be sent to Scripps Mercy Hospital Foundation or UCSD Alzheimer's Research. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a,m. on Friday, October 17th, at Mission San Diego de Alcala. Rosary will precede at 10:30 a.m.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Oct. 5, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Mooney

14 Entries

Nancy Kwallek

December 30, 2014

I just learned this week of the passing of Dr. Mooney; I have been saddened all week. He was the primary doctor for my husband and me when we lived in San Diego way back during the decade of the 1970s. Although his caregiving stopped for us when we moved to Indiana University in Bloomington, IN, on occasion I still think of his warmth and genuine interest in us as his patients. Having then moved to The University of Texas at Austin over 31 ½ years ago!—one forgets that time does not stop and having last seen Dr. Mooney over 35 years ago—it deals an extra blow because one remembers others to be that same 50 year young doctor as when last seen.
I believe there is a special feeling I have for Dr. Mooney because of us both being Midwesterners and from the state of Ohio. There is something about Midwesterners sharing a special tie. In addition, at the time, I did not realize that we are both Catholic. I see some of his same qualities that my own mother held with her caring for her 14 children—both truly fine individuals.
I have always made comparisons with Dr. Mooney, as I have had to choose a primary physician since leaving San Diego. On occasion, I still think of his kindness, even temperament—his sweet and caring personality and have missed those qualities in him over the years. His humanity, common sense, and art of doctoring are a rarity today. I count myself fortunate to have known him. My condolence to his family and wish them peace as they move forward since their three month ago loss.
Nancy Kwallek, Ph.D.
Gene Edward Endowed Chair for Interior Design
The University of Texas at Austin

October 21, 2014

Dear Mooney family:
I knew Doug from the Mercy Family. He was one of my mentors when i worked for Mercy Services with Meg Cleary and Kay Young. He was a visionary when managed care was a dirty word. Doug was a dear friend. He was also my doctor when I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. In the middle of this, they told both of us that Doug couldn't be my primary physician any more because he was a cardiologist. So Doug handed me off to a trusted colleague and 14 years later and another recurrence I'm still here. I owe so much to my survival to this man and i'm so sorry I didn't find out about his passing until today.

Dear Doug, you are an Angel and I'm a better person to have been your pupil, your patient, and your friend! Your sense of humor, your humanity and you common sense is a rarity today. I will miss you every day of my life.
Love, Karen McDonald

Phillip Himel

October 17, 2014

"Pal" was a great man and warm person, a good friend to a very young man. My condolence and best regards to entire Mooney Family.

D.T. Radmilovich

October 17, 2014

Dr. Mooney was my first Cardiologist and would have always been so had my health plan not been changed years ago. I first met him in 1984 and inasmuch as none of my family all the way through my grandparents ever saw age 60 (save one cousin), and I will see age 80 December 1st, I owe him a sincere debt of gratitude. I tried to do so with a phone call to Lynda in his office a few years ago - yes, she remembered me - and stated he would too. Many of his prescriptions remain with me today.

I regret not being able to attend his services to pay him the respect he deserves. He was not only a great doctor, but a truly fine man as well.

Sincerely,

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October 15, 2014

Doug was a great doctor, who taught me a lot over the years. I inherited a great many of his patients when he retired and I can tell you they thought the world of him. He will be missed. Jeffry Mullvain

Jennifer Brimhall

October 8, 2014

Dr. Mooney worked with me as the Medical Director for the UCSD CMS Program. He was so even tempered, loved by staff and physicians. He had just the right touch. He spoke so sweetly of his family. A good guy all around. Will keep him in my memory and prayers.

ann gallagher

October 8, 2014

I know Lynn and Doug from many charitable events. The Mooneys were the fun couple you wanted to hang with!
Hey Doll, my thoughts are with you, Lynn!

October 7, 2014

DDoug was our friend doctor for the San Carlos Swim Team and mucch more. we will miss him.
Chuck and Connie Phillips

October 6, 2014

Condolences to the Mooney family. Doug was a fine fellow physician and a good friend. Edwin H Lewis, MD and family.

Mark Colangelo

October 5, 2014

All of our families love, thoughts and prayers to all of your family at the passing of "Pal". He was special in so many ways. He was a perfect blend of intelligence, wisdom, compassion, love and humor. He touched thousands of lives over his years, and each one of them for the better! I count myself very blessed being fortunate enough to know him, to experience his special qualities, to learn from his wisdom and humor....and to love him. "Pal" thank you for sharing your gifts with me and my family for so many years. You will be missed, but never forgotten. I will always remember you will joy, laughter and a smile. Mark Colangelo and family

October 5, 2014

I hope that you will find comfort in the many happy memories that will always be with you. My deepest sympathy. Dee Dee Porter

October 5, 2014

I DID MY INTERNSHIP AT MERCY IN 1965. DRAFTED FOR RVN, CAME BACK AND DID MY INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENCY AND FINISHED IN 1974. DR MOONEY WAS A TERRIFIC STAFF DOCTOR, TEACHER AND A MENTOR TO ME. WILL NEVER FORGET HIM. DAVE ROUSSEAU MD

October 5, 2014

Doug was a sweet, kind man with a subtle sense of humor. I'm sorry for your loss. I remember what a kick he got out of the visiting skunk at one of my barbecues. Love, Elise

Annie Sproul

October 5, 2014

Condolences sent to the Mooney Family on behalf of Dr. Gordon Sproul's children, Annie Sproul

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