In memory of

Douglas C. Parcells

1953 - 2019

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Jared J. Catapano

January 22, 2025

Mr. Parcells was my gym teacher at Dater school around 1993. He was the kindest, warmest, most trusting Teacher I had in my tenure in Ramsey Public Schools. I could always count on him to look out for me and he even maintained that same warmth when I would visit him years later; this, to me, is the truest sign of authenticity. I am so grateful for having Doug Parcells in my life because he made it brighter and lighter with every meeting. I will miss you, Mr. Parcells.

Rob McGovern

September 23, 2021

Thinking of Doug again this day. He was a truly great person who had a wonderful impact on my life. I have such fond memories of my childhood sports experience because of Doug's perpetual presence as well as his positive and fun-loving influence over everything he was involved in. God bless his soul.

Tim C. Coumbe

October 7, 2019

It truly was an honor to say, you were a wonderful neighbor and friend... RIP Doug

October 3, 2019

Keri and Laura,
Every place your father touched, flags are lowering themselves to half-mast.
Sharon Milch

Kenneth Malone

October 2, 2019

Just saw Doug Parcells passed away. Have to put this out there.
One evening as a 14 year old kid I was up at the Memorial field basketball courts in Oradell trying to shoot a few hoops but with a lot of older bigger kids on the court, in spite of my best efforts, I could barely get hold of a rebound to shoot at all. I just felt small, frustrated, invisible. All of a sudden a booming voice comes out of nowhere and gets my attention "Hey kid!" and he passes a ball my way for me to shoot. Soon the other bigger kids, without saying a word fall in line to this guy I recognize from town but barely know. Guys stop shooting and start feeding Doug who continues to feed me a steady stream of balls to shoot. As I'm shooting, he asks my name and I tell him Ken Malone. He then starts calling out the names of half a dozen professional athletes by the name of Malone along with their sport, their accomplishments, tendencies and stats and I am suddenly the center of attention on the court as I take shot after shot. Finally after what felt like a hundred shots the moment is over and I silently nod at him in thanks as everyone else resumes shooting. You don't forget a thing like that. You just don't. R.I.P. Doug Parcells.

October 1, 2019

Our sincerest sympathy to Doug's family. May Doug rest in the peace...and may light perpetual shine upon him. Doug and his family made good sports and sportsmanship a part of life for so many!
Susan Opsut Merritt and Frank Merritt

Billy snake Westdyk

October 1, 2019

Summer rec , umpiring , refereeing , nicknames , all fond memories of growing up in Oradell. And Doug was an integral part of it all. From his silky smooth STRIKE ........ call ... to his play by play of the summer rec games behind the school...or calling a fantom foul on You, so a guy who didn't score would get a chance to shoot a few free throws .... if memories are the currency of life .. then Doug aka( sugar bear) was certainly a rich man. My heart felt condolences to the Parcells family on the loss of such a special guy.

Brian McGinty

October 1, 2019

Just a few weeks ago I was reminiscing with my brother in law- Rob Moore about Summer rec, the pond , little league and mostly about Doug Parcells and how we were so fortunate to have had him in our lives growing up. His tremendous impact on so many lives can not be measured. RIP Dougie

October 1, 2019

Will truly miss the man who truly was ORADELL. Last saw him at the field years ago on the 4th. Made me feel very special when he told me how proud my father was watching my brother and I play ball. Wanted to cry. Then went on to say "Dennis can you believe they named a memorial field for me?....and I'm not even dead! You will live forever through your actions and love of our hometown....ORADELL!

Dennis Sharpe
Littleton, NH.

Rob Bercw

October 1, 2019

Doug was my teammate at UVA for 4 years and roommate for 2. A great guy who always wanted to be a gym teacher in Oradell! Won us a lot of beer at Poe's on Rock n Roll trivia night as this was one of his passions, along with being a coach. I am sure he did an outstanding job coaching, mentoring and reffing the children in your community. This was one of his great quotes about the joy of refereeing "Pays for all the dog food and diapers"! A great friend to me and his teammates and he will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

Dr. Kenneth Rasbornik

September 30, 2019

Having grown up in Oradell and being part of Little League Baseball, you knew Doug Parcells. The start of every game that was umpired by Doug, was the call Play Ball. That is a memory that I'm sure is burned into every player during our era. I have not been back to Oradell for at least 20 years. And I'm sure things have changed. Hopefully this new generation of Little Leaguers will benefit from the legacy that Doug leaves behind.
My sincere condolences and prayers to the Parcells family.

Aaron Schrager

September 30, 2019

I met Coach P on the first day of Dater School in 2nd Grade (1985) and he was not a fan of the Jets sweatpants and he let me know about it often as only he could do. I enjoyed his larger-than-life presence for the next three years culminating with him being the MC for our 5th Grade Follies.

In 1992, we we're reunited when I became his player at RHS. The Monday after games, he gave out Hershey bars for key plays, blocks, scoring, etc. As my career progressed and my role increased, this often resulted in up to a dozen or more full size candy bars after each game which I usually made quick work of as he watched in awe (or disgust) at my sugar consumption. At the conclusion of my senior year, he showed up at our house with a pie for my mother and a note (that i still have) thanking her for coaching and guiding me throughout the years.

Throughout college, packages of candy would arrive from Coach P. every so often.

In 2005, I was honored to have been the design engineer for the firm that developed the plans for the Doug Parcell's Sports complex and I was happy to have attended the dedication of that field.

Around Halloween 2013, a random package arrived filled with candy and an unsigned note in that distinctive, all-capital letter handwriting of his

Tonight I was fortunate to be able to say goodbye to him for a last time, meet his daughters for the first time, and take memories of a sincere and genuine person whom I had the upmost respect for. He believed in me and made me a better person.

Thank you Coach P! Thank you for the wisdom! Thank you for the laughs! Thank you for the candy! And thank you for the memories! I will miss you!

Joseph Padovano

September 30, 2019

Just reading this guest book tells you how much Doug was loved and appreciated by all who knew him. My children have their nick names. He gave me his old basketball referee handbooks so I could get back into reffing games. Sort of like "it's a wonderful life"., all of the lives he touched. We are blessed to have the memories.


Joe, Jill Pickle, and the rest of the Pancake Padovano's.

Stef

September 30, 2019

Rest In Peace, Coach

Tom Skevin

September 30, 2019

Doug Parcells was a mountain of a man, with a heart to match.
He was a gentleman, and always offered a calming presence and a kind word to everyone.
His stature in Oradell was such that when Bill was named Giants coach, I turned to my brother, Jim, and said:
Dougie has a brother who coaches?
May the abundance of warm memories provide his family and friends some comfort now and in the days ahead.
My sympathies and condolences to all.
Rest in peace, Dougie.
= ts =

Exquisite Tribute Standing Spray

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Robert Edwards

September 30, 2019

Simply put, Dougie, along with Coach Muehleck, was my childhood growing up in Oradell. Rest in Peace and say hi to Coach for me. I hope there is a Terwilligers in heaven.

Doc

Lisa Schneider

September 30, 2019

My 4 children were blessed to have Mr. Parcells at Hubbard, my oldest Eiley was certainly always made to feel so welcome and seen (Mr. Parcells would sing Eiley, what's for dinner every time he saw her and always saved an extra scoop of ice cream for her at the ice cream social even after she grew out of Hubbard!) . Thank you for sharing Mr. Parcells with us and please know we send out heartfelt condolences for your loss.

Meghan LoBue

September 29, 2019

For our Mr. Parcells...he made every child feel special whether it was a nickname (Sam I Am) or a song (Cecelia you're breakin my heart). He taught them to laugh and have fun. My oldest now in 5th grade (Sam I Am) will never forget his first gym teacher, and he will always compare everyone that follows to Mr. Parcells- his all-time favorite. We send our love and condolences to your family and all who love you. Thank you for spreading sunshine and smiles, Mr. Parcells.
With love always,
The LoBue family

Robin Klein

September 29, 2019

I was so privileged to call Doug a colleague during my years at Dater School. His infallible sense of humor gave us the gift of laughter no matter how tough a day we might be personally having. He was beloved by both students and teachers and will be greatly missed. Everyone loved Mr. Parcells. May his family take comfort in their rich and loving memories of such a wonderful man. The Ramsey School District was so fortunate to have him on our staff.

September 29, 2019

All 3 of my children were lucky enough to have Mr. Parcells as their gym teacher at Dater and Hubbard Schools. They have such fond memories and we're always amazed by his remarkable memory! Such a wonderful man who brought joy to so many❤ Our condolences to the Parcells Family. Sincerely, The Bishop Family

Ginny Bishop

September 29, 2019

All 3 of my children were lucky enough to have Mr. Parcells as their gym teacher at Dater and Hubbard Schools. They have such fond memories and were always amazed by his remarkable memory! Such a wonderful man who brought joy to so many❤ Our condolences to the Parcells Family. Sincerely, The Bishop Family

JIm Byerly

September 29, 2019

I regard it as a privilege and honor to have had a lifelong friend in Doug. We played football, basketball and baseball together during our high school years and he was an excellent athlete. I moved to Houston one day after I graduated from River Dell and still live there 50 years later, but I saw Doug many times on my trips back to Oradell over the years and every time was a joy. He had a way of making a person feel good when he/she was around him. He was one of the friendliest people I ever met and had a great sense of humor. I don't know how he pulled it off, but he got our high school principal to let him make sports related announcements over the PA system and he did the funniest impersonations of Howard Cosell! I've been reading the other notes that people have written and some have brought tears to my eyes, realizing how important he was to so many people. May God receive him into his presence and bless his remaining family members in their grief.

Jim Byerly

Gerard OHara

September 29, 2019

Will be Greatly missed by all who knew and associated with him. The children of Ramsey have lost a true educator that will be hard to replace. RIP Doug you were one of the GOOD Guys !

Debbie Parcells

September 29, 2019

I will miss him more than I can say. He was one of the few people I knew I could always count on. He was always there for me with a kind word no matter. My heart is broken. I am just so happy I was able to tell him I loved him a few weeks ago. Rest in Peace dear Dougie. You are forever in my heart.

Bruce Clark

September 29, 2019

Grew up with,and played football with Doug a great person and a funny guy made as all laugh. RIP

September 29, 2019

Doug was one of the best in my coaching tenure.
His ability as a player was even exceeded by his quality as a man. His attitude portrayed the definition of "teammate" to all.
The thoughts and prayers of our family are with the Parcells at this very sad time.
Coach Kirchenheiter

MaryAnn Pieshala

September 29, 2019

A kind, gentle, giving man. Everyone who knew him were blessed with the gift of his smile. RIP Doug.

Gerry Clark

September 29, 2019

Just a super nice guy and a great partner in basketball and baseball...

Marty Sharpe

September 29, 2019

You will truly be missed. My childhood revolved around little league, summer rec, scating pond and just hanging at the field. Doug was the common denominator for all of these activities. He was Oradell. RIP and thanks Doug.

September 29, 2019

I knew him as "Mr. Parcels", Laura's father. Laura wa a student in my sixth grade class at OPS. My heartfelt condolences to Laura and her family at this sad time.

Carl and Debbie Ferrara

September 29, 2019

The Ferrara family loved Coach Parcells .

He was a very special person and we felt blessed that Michael, David and Emily had him as a teacher and coach.

His unflappable nature, compassion, passion for life and one of the most brilliant, low-key senses of humor made him a joy to be around.

Our sincerest condolences to the entire Parcells family,

Carl and Debbie

Lisa Powelstock Shafran

September 29, 2019

It has been a long,long time but I clearly remember Doug as one of the kindest people I have ever known. My condolences to his family

Ken McGovern

September 29, 2019

Doug was a simple man who lived a simple life, but to anyone who knew him, he was extraordinary, a very special, friendly and giving person with a heart of gold. You touched so many lives and will be greatly missed.

Madeline Giotta

September 29, 2019

Heart felt sympathy for Dougs passing. I worked at John Y Dater School with Doug for many years. He was an outstanding asset to the staff, students and parents and dear friend to all. His wonderful upbeat attitude and sense of humor resounds in our memories of him. Madeline G

Adam Butterfield

September 29, 2019

When I moved to Ramsey in 1992 as a 3rd grader at Dater, my first memory is of a larger than life gym teacher who gave me a nickname of The Pittsburgh Pirate. Everyone in Dater, and most in Ramsey for that matter, ended up with their Parcells nickname and I guarantee they all remember theirs to this day. He was a special person, and he will be missed.

Michael Gardner

September 29, 2019

My sincere condolences to the Parcells family. As a rec coach Doug would go out of his way to help others. We have lost a true hero his devotion to Oradell and to our youth was second to none. I was a better coach and a better person thanks to Doug Parcells. Rest in peace you'll missed.

Jennifer A

September 29, 2019

Doug was and awesome and loving teacher! He had the biggest heart and made a difference in my children's lives. Rest in peace sir!

Michele

September 28, 2019

This is such devastating news... he was such an amazing man. When I think back to my memories at Dater School, he is a part of so many of them. I am so very sorry to his family on their loss. He was a truly amazing man, who touched the lives of so many.

Howard Schreiber

September 28, 2019

What a positive impression he made on our kids, and on us too! He had a great spirit, and was so enthusiastic with all the kids. We will all miss him.

John Kurelja

September 28, 2019

Coach Parcells was a role model for me and taught me a great deal about football and even more about life! God bless him and his family!

Peter Vanberkum

September 28, 2019

So sad to hear that Doug has left us. Truly a great guy, friend and teammate with the Golden Hawks. A real blast in the locker room. Who can ever forget his imitations of Howard Cosell !? Truly a legendary man.

Scott Hyman

September 28, 2019

I was one of the countless - and least memorable - players Coach worked with at NVRHSD. We all have great memories of his humor, his ability to teach and motivate, and his weekly blocking reports. We all had nicknames and his banter while we stretched before games and practices was worthy of an HBO special.

But one memory of Coach will forever define the man for me. It was the Northern Highlands game in 1983. The weekend before my parents told my brother, sister and me that they were splitting up. Suffice it to say, that week of practice and the game were far from my best. But when he gave me my blocking report at film the following Monday, I somehow graded out at more than 90% of my blocks.

I played three years for Coach, and had never come close to that. I most certainly did not at the Northern Highlands game in 1983. But that was who he was. I can't tell you how much that blocking report (on mimeographed paper) meant to me. I still have it, together with every other report he did for me.

RIP Coach. The true measure of a man is how many people he touches. By that standard, you were a giant.

Ashlee Hakkenberg

September 28, 2019

Mr.Parcells truly was one of the most amazing people to walk this earth! I will cherish all of our memories! I'm so blessed my daughter got the chance to learn from him. He will be very missed!

September 28, 2019

Rest In Eternal Peace,
Doug.
Margaret Lyons Dolson

Whispering Love Arrangement - BASKET INCLUDED

Elaine Parcells

Sent Flowers

Jon Vatcher

September 28, 2019

Summer Rec, Baseball, Free For All, Skating Pond, Nicknames, Umpiring.......Doug, you touched our lives in so many ways......nothing else needs to be said

Jon Vatcher

Michael Friezo

September 28, 2019

Coach Parcells was a great man and an excellent coach. He taught me many things about football and life for which I'm eternally grateful.

Marina P.

September 28, 2019

Mr. Parcells was an amazing teacher would made coming to school at Hubbard exciting. He touched our lives and so many others with his humor and kindness and believed in each one of his students. Thank you, Mr. Parcells. It was an honor to know you.
- Marina, Joe and Tommy

Connie and Steve Arianas

September 28, 2019

A man among men. A friend to all and a wonderful colleague. He will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace Doug.

Legacy Remembers

Posted events

September 28, 2019

Sep

30

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

William G. Basralian Funeral Service

559 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell, NJ 07649

Oct

1

Mass of Christian Burial

10:30 a.m.

St, Joseph's R.C. Church

300 Elm Street, Oradell, NJ

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