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Douglas Ingalls Obituary
A Memorial Service for Doug will be held at 6:00 P.M on Wednesday, June 24th at the Wachusett Regional High School Auditorium in Holden. Internment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, checks should be made out to Unitarian Universalist Church, 90 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606. The Pillsbury Funeral Home, 163 Main Street, Spencer is directing arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Ingalls
Barry Barnett
January 6, 2010
I worked for Doug a couple of times at the Downtown Showcase Cinemas. Doug's abundant humor made long work shifts fun, and I really admired his intelligence and skills. He was the boss, but you also knew he was a friend. I learned a tremendous amount from him, showing, I guess,that he was a good teacher even before that became his profession. I'm really saddened by his passing- we've lost a great guy.
Elaine (Wilson) Benjamin
October 23, 2009
I have thought long and hard over the past several months on what to write in your memory, Doug. My fondest memory is pushing you in a baby carriage when I was a young girl when you lived on Rockland Road in Auburn. You were such a beautiful blond haired baby aand a pleasure to be with. Your Mom and Dad were so proud of you. They were also such good friend to my Mom and Dad for so many years. You are love and will be missed. A wonderful man, gone too soon.
Robert Theo Margelony
August 10, 2009
News of Doug's sudden death comes as quite a shock. I have many, many fond memories of working with him at Showcase Cinemas and Worcester Children's Theatre. Bruce, my deepest and most heart-felt condolences at this loss.
Lyn (Hefty) Boudreau
July 10, 2009
I was saddened and stunned to learn of Doug's passing. I remember him as a warm and talented guy who loved children and the theatre. (He was also a pretty good hair stylist once upon a long time ago, to boot!) Bruce, my love goes out to you. Please get in touch.
Lynne (Potter) Wetherill
July 6, 2009
So sorry to learn of Doug's passing. We were friends growing up and I enjoyed his honesty and openness. Lots of school time memories came flooding back, including riding in his big convertible. My folks kept me updated on his career and we will all miss him.
Kim Williams (McCrohon)
June 28, 2009
So sorry to hear of Doug's passing. We worked together for many years at Showcase Cinemas in Downtown. I always loved his sense of humor and his smile would just light up the room. He was the best boss I have ever had!! If you ever had a problem Doug was there to help. Some of my best memories are Goofing off in the office downstairs, Monday nights at the club, and sold out shows when the entire crowd was crazy and Doug seemed to be the only sane one there. Bruce, I am so sorry for your loss. Although I hadn't seem either of you in years, I hope your life together was as happy and fun as Doug always was. He was a wonderful person to have known.
Scott & Noreen (Reilly) Valentino
June 23, 2009
So many memories have come flooding back since I heard of Doug's sudden passing. Doug hired me to work at Showcase Cinemas back in 1981. We had so many great times--our softball team, Halloween party behind cinema 1, And getting to work the huge crowds that would come to see the great movies.Doug also rehired me after I left showcase for awhile welcoming me back with open arms--which is the luckiest part for me because I met my husband Scott there. You could say we owe it all to Doug. Bruce you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Norma Marshall
June 23, 2009
This is the eighth person in community theater who has passed away suddenly ... Doug was incredibly gifted and talented. Bruce lost the love of his life much too early. Doug was a rainbow of talent and we are all sorry to hear that he has passed on so early in life. Heaven is a happier place with Doug there
Brad Lehman
June 23, 2009
Doug, today the sun shines just a little less bright, and the sky just a bit less blue. When I was a teenager working at Showcase you were an influential force in how to act with decency, with morality, and most importantly like a man. My condolences to your family, and mostly to you Bruce. Yours was an uncommon relationship.
Pierce McDonnell
June 20, 2009
Doug was my manager at Showcase Cinemas downtown. He was the best manager I ever had. He made the job most enjoyable and treated everyone like family. Doug you will be missed. May you rest in peace and God bless you.
Sue Coles
June 20, 2009
I will miss Doug’s presence in our community. As an actor on the Barre Players’ stage, where he said he got his start, he gave life to a wide variety of memorable characters. As a director he brought forth moving performances from persons of all ages, whether they were new to the stage or experienced actors.
He was fair, funny, diplomatic and dashing, a versatile talent.He loved his art and this love was contagious. Thank you Doug for being in our lives. Thank you Bruce for being in our lives and love to you at this difficult time.
Sue Coles
charles carlson
June 19, 2009
I want to say im in shock of Dougs death it just seems like yesterday i was hired at showcase downtown thank you for giving me a chance you will be missed alot i rember all the fun times we had
dinah carlson
June 19, 2009
i new doug when he work in the in the movie theater he was a very nice person i was glad to get to no him now i am sorry to see him go i will miss him
Paul Maher Jr.
June 19, 2009
Doug -- you were a comrade during my short stay at WRHS and encouraged me on my many projects. Thanks to you for your sage advice and Swiftian wit imparted in some trying times. Youyr legacy lives on in the smiles and hearts of all of your students who respected and valued their time with you.
Janice Anderson
June 19, 2009
My heart is breaking. I'm still in shock. My prayers go out to all of Doug's Loved Ones. I will miss him so much.
Peace be with you all.
Lori Haddad
June 18, 2009
Dear Bruce, and All Who Knew, Loved or Worked with Doug, our loss is so extreme. But having had Doug's friendship, fun, delight in theatre, and inspiration, we are blessed.
He and Worcester Children's Theatre were a hugely special time in my life. "Golliwhop In, Story Begin."
With Love, Lori
Janice Spada
June 18, 2009
My deepest sympathy to Bruce and Doug's family. My thoughts are of John Donne's sonnet X. "Death be not proud although some have called it thee..... one short sleep past and death thou shalt die."
Glenn & Susan Kus
June 18, 2009
Doug was a wonderful man who could see in people hidden talent and challenge them in a way that would bring it out. Our prayers for Bruce and family. Condolences for all who knew him. Glenn
Judy Tatro
June 18, 2009
I grew up near Douggie, and have many fond memories of hours playing in and on the lake. Ruth and John were always patient with Douggie and generous with his friends and neighbors. I learned to swim and fish from their dock, and had my first motor boat, row boat, and canoe adventures due to the Ingall's generosity. I have only seen Doug a couple times in the last forty years, but both times evoked happy childhood times. May Doug's partner be at peace knowing Doug was loved as much in early life as an adult.
At ten years old all he ever talked about was television and movies. He always wanted to act!
Joe Lobe
June 18, 2009
Working with Doug at the Bradley Playhouse in Putnam was two of the greatest theater experiences I have ever had. He was such a talented individual, and absolutely hilarious.
The love his students had for him was very obvious to me. Some students were driving down to Putnam to see his shows! Doug changed so many people's lives for the better, and my admiration of that is unending.
I will never be able to step out on stage without thinking of Doug.
Dana Desmarais
June 17, 2009
When I was in school I worked with Doug on a few plays and had him as a teacher. He always had a smile on and was always joking with all of us students. He was a great man and an even better mentor. I was shocked to hear of his death and all my deepest and most heartfelt thoughts go out to him and his family. Doug is someone I will never forget.
My deepest condolences
donna caggiano
June 17, 2009
i had just emailed doug to thank him
for making my daughters stay in high school a positive one she had him for 2
years and he emailed me back i cut it out and put it in a scrapebook i made her for graduation 2 weeks ago. also my sister worked for many years with doug at showcase cinema and were good
friends. he was just kind to everyone
and was a great teacher. wrhs has lost a good one
Dennis and Diane Croft-Doane
June 17, 2009
My husband and I attended Leicester High School with Doug and counted him as a close friend. And, as life goes on, lost touch over the years. I still remember going to his house one afternoon when he was out of school to visit and ended up completing a puzzle with him. Only, we could not find the last piece. Doug hid it so he could put the last piece in and say he completed the puzzle. He always had a smile and a joke. Our deepest sympathy to all his family and friends.
Josh Pineo
June 17, 2009
Doug you will always be a dear friend and close to my heart for years to come. thank you for all your help and support I will miss you always
Danielle Walsh
June 17, 2009
Doug was, to say the least, one of the most incredible people that I've ever known. He would always make me smile, even on an off day onstage. It's been almost 4 days, but to me it has felt like just one giant day, full of mourning, friends, and(most importantly) the family that he gave us, the Theater Company at Wachusett.
He was warm, humble, sarcastic, and had a personality that just drew in everybody who was blessed to have known him. All of the kids who had no friends, who didn't belong anywhere, found a place beside Doug and the Drama Club. Bruce, you might not know me, but I give you my sincerest condolences to you and your family. Doug was a great man, and I'm sorry for your loss. It hurts so much to know that I will never see his smiling face again, or hear him crack a joke. But, as Doug would've wanted, the show must go on.
Sue Miville
June 17, 2009
The world has lost a great friend, actor, mentor and teacher. Doug's gift of theater, compassion and love will live on in everyone he touched.
My sincere condolences to Bruce and the family.
Kaitlyn Kirk
June 17, 2009
its almost 4 days since this has happen and i cannot still believe that doug is really and truely gone. Doug was a great, kind, and humble human being that loved all of his students. Working with him on bye bye birdie will be one of my fondest memories ever. doug made that experience worth it, and i wished i couldve thanked him for everything he has taught me. my heart goes out to bruce during this incredibly difficult time. he will be missed by everyone
Nym Cooke
June 17, 2009
Oh Doug! What a huge talent was yours, both as an actor and a director. How FUNNY you could be! How warm and supportive you were, to so many! What a loss to all of us, your 'way too early passing. Bruce, my heart goes out to you. Much love from Nym
Joe Sosnoff
June 17, 2009
Bruce and family,
My deepest condolences. Doug taught and inspired many young people and it is impossible to calculate how many lives he improved by his presence. Doug brought joy to so many of his students, friends, and colleagues at Wachusett, Barre Players, Stageloft, and beyond. We are all better for having known him. His life and laughter was a blessing to all and he will be missed.
Joe Sosnoff, WRHS 2000
Judy Savage
June 17, 2009
Doug just recently joined the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester so I have only known him a little while. I enjoyed our short time together and was looking forward to getting to know him better. I was so shocked to hear that he had died.
Bruce, we met at a concert at the church and I enjoyed our brief conversation. My thoughts go out to you at this time. We will miss his warm and friendly presence at UUCW.
Ginny Julian
June 17, 2009
My deepest sympathies to all who were touched by this very talented man's life. My son was inspired to become an English/Drama teacher because of Doug-he will be missed.
ginny julian
Dawn Bruno
June 17, 2009
Bruce,
It has been a very long time since I have seen either of you. I am so very sorry to hear about Doug, and my heart goes out to you. I remember many evenings rehearsing with you all at Barre Players and want you to know that I am blessed to have known Doug and yourself.
Take care of yourself Bruce!
We love you
Barbie
June 16, 2009
Bruce,
Since learning of Doug's passing, memories have come flooding back of wonderful times had at Showcase Cinemas. Doug had a remarkable gift of being able to relate to everyone, especially teenagers, and every member of his staff felt valued. I recall one year, he 'hosted' a Thanksgiving @ S/C, bringing in the turkey himself. He had an incredible, often mischievous, sense of humor, of which no one was immune (nor wanted to be!) I'll never forget Doug's "staff outing" to Riverside Park & what a fabulous time everyone had. When making people laugh, he was truly in his element!
My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. May Doug's precious memory remain with you always.
Anita Bishop
June 16, 2009
Doug,
You will alway'a be with me,It is so sad that you and Dad had to leave us so soon.You was always the greatest brother anyone could ask for.Bruce and the doggie's will miss you I can still hear Saddie,Bruce and you singing that song, when we was there in Dec. We all love you with all our hearts. (sis) Anita Frankie and family.
Kathleen Quinlivan-Beck
June 16, 2009
Bruce,
We are shocked and saddened, as so many are, by this news. Please accept our heartfelt condolences at the loss of Doug.
Kathy and Brian
June 16, 2009
Our prayers and love are with Bruce at such a very sad time, for he has has lost a special part of his life. Doug leaving will leave a void in so many lives. One that will be very difficult to fill. The world has lost a very wonderful man. Students of all types have lost a great teacher. The theater world has lost a great actor and director. Hundreds of use have lost a dear friend. Once Doug entered your life and you they remained joined for ever no matter how often or seldom you saw each other. The heavens now have a bright new "STAR" and here on earth the show must go on. Save room on on "The Night Train Express" for us Doug. We love you and truely miss you.
Jeannie
Laura (Johnson) Ricci
June 16, 2009
Bruce and family: My heartfelt sorrow for your loss of Doug. He was an unforgettable person. I used to work at Webster Sq. Cinemas in the early 80's with Marion Desrosiers, Michael Lee, Richard Phelan, Donna Brady, and others and remember the fun times we had back then before video tapes came along. Even though Doug was downtown we still could feel his presence at Webster Sq. He lived a good life right to the end. What a tragedy. RIP
June 16, 2009
Bruce,
My heartfelt condolences for your loss.
Through my tears when seeing this sad news I started to smile as many memories of Doug came back to me. I have many fond memories from Webster SQ. Cinema and Showcase North and of all the nights going out to the ElMorrocco and other places. Doug will always be remembered for the way he could make everyone laugh and have a wonderful time. I would see Doug at Price Chopper and there was always a smile on his face. Bruce may all your memories of Doug help you through this difficult time.
Donna Malloy-Brady
June 16, 2009
Bruce,
My heartfelt condolences for your loss.
Through my tears when seeing this sad news I started to smile as many memories of Doug came back to me. I have many fond memories from Webster SQ. Cinema and Showcase North and of all the nights going out to the ElMorrocco and other places. Doug will always be remembered for the way he could make everyone laugh and have a wonderful time. I would see Doug at Price Chopper and there was always a smile on his face. Bruce may all your memories of Doug help you through this difficult time.
John & Carol Colby
June 16, 2009
Bruce,we have known you and Doug only for a short time, since you became our neighbors. Our heart goes out to you Bruce, and to Doug's family. Talking to Doug was always a pleasure as he had such a great attitude about life. We miss him and it was an honor to have known such a man as Doug. He always had a smile on his face. It makes us realize that we should not take each other for granted. Be kind to those you love and also to those you do not love. I believe Doug was that kind of man.
Our Deepest Sympathy to you Bruce, and to Doug's family and friends.
Michele Wronski
June 16, 2009
Bruce,
So many of us are just numb and completely devastated by the loss of such a wonderful and talented man. We cannot begin to fathom how you must be feeling. Just know that we are all here for you. May the memories of happier days ease your sorrow during this difficult time.
I love you,
Michele
Paul O'Connell
June 16, 2009
Bruce, My heartfelt condolences for your loss. I have many fond memories of those days back in the late 70s with our Children's Theatre performances and our dueling New Year's Eve parties. Although we've gone our seperate ways and have not seen each other in a long time, those times and all those old friends hold a special place in my heart. Doug will always be remembered in the O'Connell household. May he rest in peace.
Bonnie Stockdale
June 16, 2009
What wonderful memories. Doug so enriched my life as an actor, as a director and most importantly as a friend. He listened, he cared, he loved. I feel such a void in my life now, but am so grateful to have had Doug be a part of my life even if for too short of a time. My heartfelt thoughts are with you, Bruce. Please know you are surrounded by friends who care deeply for you.
Mary Lemire
June 16, 2009
I have so many happy memories of Doug. In NYC, London, many local theatre productions, lunch dates. We were always laughing. He always saw the sunny side of life. He was a wonderful teacher for my children. My kids love the Arts having seen them through Doug's eyes. What a wonderful gift!
Doug and I shared open heart surgery together. Same surgeon, same hospital. He snuck into Mass General to see me after my open heart with his big smile. I instantly felt better!
He was the only one of my peers who really knew what I was going through having just gone through it himself. He was one in a million. I will miss him terribly but I know there's a special place in Heaven for such a sweet man. He was an inspiration to everyone who knew him.
Bruce, our deepest sympathy to you. May your precious memories give you comfort.
Franklyn Ponte
June 16, 2009
I am deeply saddened by the news of Doug's death. I knew him both through local theatre and as his employee when he managed Downtown Showcase Cinemas. He was a great actor, a kind and gracious boss, and a truly wonderful person. Bruce, my thoughts are with you, as well as with the rest of his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all.
Leslie Adams Papageorge
June 16, 2009
Dear Bruce, The sorrow we are feeling at the loss of our brother Doug is staggering. Over so many years he taught me a lot about life and love and loving. I will never forget how wonderful he was to our parents, and how he and mom had a special bond that helped her through the years. I will miss his stories around my dining room table, even if an infrequent occurance, always a special one. His wit and intellect were boundless as his love of you, life and your dogs...I know you will carry on in the theater with his heart always with you.
carole hayes
June 16, 2009
I feel so blessed to have known and worked with Doug. My heart is breaking . He will be greatly missed.
My sincerest condolences and warm wishes to Bruce.
Geli
June 16, 2009
Doug, you have touched so many people's lives. You've created huge numbers of "families" in Drama Club, and also in your classrooms. Everyone has been emotionally touched by this event in so many ways. A lot of people consider you their "second father," and remember you calling us your "kids", we all love you so so much, and will forever miss you. You're in everyone's memories Doug.
Robin Lebeaux
June 16, 2009
Bruce,
Please accept my condolences. Doug was a wonderful man. His students will be his true legacy.
Ginny Sears
June 16, 2009
Bruce, I'd like to extend my sincerest condolences to you. Doug will be missed by many many people. However, through you he will be rememebred.
Doug had the ability to make everyone around him feel comfortable, almost as if you were his life-long friend. It was was pleasure knowing him.
Doug touched may lives, mine included.
Maria Stevens
June 16, 2009
"The Man Who Came to Dinner" the play at WCLO was my introduction to Mr. Doug Ingalls and I would like to say his performance made such a lasting impression on me that I was compelled to pursue further plays/musicals at this venue. Ironically it was the first and last time I would experience the spell he cast on me that night. It was his time to go but I feel his energy with me even at this moment. Thank you for the gift you bestowed on me and countless others.
Tracy Tremblay-Bergenn
June 16, 2009
Doug was one of a kind. I had the pleasure of meeting him when we were cast together in Midsummer Night's Dream at Stageloft many years ago. I am grateful for the friends that came from that experience, and as everyone must feel when meeting Doug, I felt I had an instant dear friend. The Will & Grace potlucks and the shows that followed seem like yesterday. I can hear his fabulous laugh, see his mannerisms and great smile so clearly.
I ache for Bruce. I am so sorry for his loss. Doug's many students-past and present, are so blessed to have known such a great mentor. Godspeed my friend. You will be greatly missed.
Derek Corriveau
June 16, 2009
Bruce, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this hard time. PLease know that even though I haven't been visible, you and Doug have always been in my thoughts. You both are much loved.
Lisa Glasheen
June 16, 2009
I am forever grateful to Doug for his many kindnesses, the wisdom he bestowed and his gift of laughter. He did the best impersonations, was the king of ad libbing and a wonderful teacher. He had a gift for making others feel special. I am thankful I had the opportunity to know him and work with him on his final project at Stageloft. I am so grateful for his influence upon my daughter and know that we will carry him forward with us. His was the epitome of a life well-lived.
Bruce, you know my thoughts and heart are with you. I'm so terribly sorry for your loss.
Stephanie Plante (St Jean)
June 16, 2009
You were truly a wonderful man and it was my privilage to get to know you my 3 years in the Drama program at Wachusett. May you rest in peace knowing how well loved you were.
Courtney Hendrickson-Gabis
June 16, 2009
I was so devastated to hear of Mr. Ingalls passing. He started at Wachusett around my junior year and was the reason I joined the play Grease. He was a wonderful role model and will be deeply missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family.
Betty Kristan
June 16, 2009
Doug, we shared so many wonderful times together, but not nearly enough.....I'll remember laughing and cookies and hugging and stuffing cotton in my gloves. Mostly I'll remember the love and respect we shared with one another. I miss you already. I love you!! Betty
Maureen Arsenault
June 16, 2009
You have my deepest sympathies. I came to know Doug through the Stageloft family. He was a very talented actor and an overall genuinely nice person.
What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a yearning for one more day, one more word, one more smile, we may find it difficult to understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to tell you good-bye, but little by little, we will remember not just that you died, but that you lived and lived life to the fullest,and that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget. You touched so many people through your teachings and your entertaining; you will be missed.
former student
June 16, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Stephanie Major
June 16, 2009
To the Family of Mr. Ingalls: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Doug was one of my favorite teachers and I will always remember him and the lessons that he taught me. i am going to miss him a lot.
Nick & Bobbie Chase
June 16, 2009
We saw Doug many times at Stageloft and other theaters. He was a wonderful person and an excellent actor. This is a huge loss for the area. Our condolences go to Bruce Adams and the rest of the family.
Jon Allain
June 16, 2009
Doug,
Thanks for guiding and inspiring so many young people, as well as entertaining many people of all ages. We will all remember the good times we had in your classes, as well as during theater productions, and the lessons we took away from your guidance will inspire all of your students for a long time to come.
My condolences to Bruce, and to your family. We have all lost a great man, but memories last forever.
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