Douglas M. DeMarché Sr.

Douglas M. DeMarché, Sr., 82, entered into the kingdom of God on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, NY with his family at his side. Doug was born in Utica, NY on March 29, 1943 to Edmund and Hazel DeMarché. He was educated in Utica Public Schools and attended Mohawk Valley Community College. Doug entered into holy matrimony with the love of his life, Millicent (Mimi) DeMarché on April 18, 1964. Doug was employed as Vice President and Account Executive at Advantage Sales and Marketing until the time of his retirement in 1999. Doug was a hardworking man who prided himself on never asking anyone to do anything he himself was not willing to do.

Other than his family and those he loved, Doug's greatest passion was music, particularly the music of the "King". From 12 years old Doug would stand in a mirror singing Elvis music as well as the greats of the 50's, 60's and 70's. Doug performed throughout Central New York right up to the time of his passing including a show at the Stanley Theater with Freddie Fender in the 1980's. Doug traveled to Las Vegas and Graceland following Elvis death sharing the song Mimi wrote for him as a tribute to Elvis titled "Lisa" which he recorded in 1978. The song was what he felt Elvis would say to his daughter Lisa if he had the opportunity after his passing. Lisa charted in England and was played in regular rotation in the United States for several years. Doug also appeared in a BBC documentary film about Elvis' life. Though given the opportunity to regularly perform in Las Vegas, Doug selflessly sacrificed that dream in lieu of being a husband and father. Doug was the heart and soul of Dougie Diamond and the Gems a band he formed with sons, Doug Jr. and Chad, along with Mark Circelli who shared a special bond with "Pop".

In addition to his parents, Doug was predeceased by his brother, Edmund III.

Doug leaves behind Mimi, his wife and soulmate of over 65 years; his daughters, DarLin Reynolds (James) of Saratoga Springs, Melisa Knopp (Jeremy) of Clay; his sons, Doug Jr. (Lisa) of Cicero, Eric (Emily) of Tampa, Chad (Erika) of Clay and Beau (Sarah) of Clinton; his grandsons Noah, Aidan, Brady, Dylan, Douglas III, Jason, Caleb, Chance, Xander, Landon, Night, and Jace; his granddaughters, Caroline, Alexandra, Isabella, Giana and Hazel, affectionately known as "The DeMarché 17"; his sister, Lonna and brother-in-law and lifelong friend Tucker, as well as several cherished nieces and nephews.

Doug was a devout catholic and communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Cicero, NY and a former usher at Annunciation Church in Clark Mills. Doug loved Jesus and found comfort in the promise of eternal life. The earth lost a rare man, but heaven gained an angel in the first chair of its choir. Doug now shares the stage with Elvis and a chorus of angels singing for the greatest king to have ever lived. The world is a little better place for having known him. Doug believed in and lived for the gift of eternal life, and he has now received that reward for a life well lived.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025 from 10 am – 12 pm, immediately followed by a funeral service in celebration of Doug's life at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) N. Syracuse, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place Memphis, TN 38105.