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Douglas Volgenau Obituary
Admiral Volgenau was raised in Clarence, N.Y., a small town outside of Buffalo. He attended a one room school through the sixth grade, Amherst Central High School and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with the Class of 1959.
At sea, he served on a destroyer and four submarines, commanding the USS Billfish (SSN 676), a Sturgeon Class Fast Attack Submarine, for three years. Ashore, Admiral Volgenau commanded the Naval Nuclear Power School at Mare Island, Calif., served as senior member of the Pacific Fleet Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board, commanded Submarine Squadron 10 in New London, and then served as the commander of the Naval Underwater Systems Center (NUSC), including the laboratory in Newport, R.I. and the Underwater Sound Laboratory in New London.
As a flag officer, he served as the director of Submarine Combat and Weapons System in the Naval Sea Systems Command and then as the first program executive officer, Submarine Combat and Weapons Systems. He retired in 1991, after 32 years of service.
Following retirement from the Navy, Admiral Volgenau became a consultant for the Defense and Department of Energy agencies and their support contractors. He spent 20 years as an outside expert for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. In this capacity, he assisted the board staff in the oversight of the Department of Energy's extensive nuclear weapons facilities complex.
Admiral Volgenau is survived by his beloved wife, Sue, of 53 years. She was chosen by him to be the 1959 USNA Color Girl. They have three children, Gigi Bruce (Scott), Douglas Jr., and Andrea Beach (John); and eight loving grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association DC/MD/VA Chapter, 7507 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855 or The Dorothy Coleman Volgenau Scholarship Fund, Amherst Central High School, 4301 Main St., Amherst, NY 14226.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Volgenau
Lela Smith
April 22, 2025
Sue, My ex-wife and I have your family in our prayers always!
As my CO, he was the very BEST and will always have respect for him. Best Sub Driver EVER.
V/R Don and Lela Smith (the Pregnant one with you at the Sliver Jubilee)
Donny Smith
April 22, 2025
Having spent over 24 years in the Submarine Service, the Admiral was the Finest and the BEST Commanding Officer I ever served under. RIP
STCM(SS) Donny Smith
Tom Rossi
June 4, 2018
I was somewhat full of myself as an Ensign when I came aboard the Billfish just before Doug took command. I had to learn the hard way, mostly from getting yelled at by him - he was very good at that. But in time, I learned to become a better officer and when I was finally qualified I knew I had accomplished something. I treasure most the comment he made to me as I was about to leave for a new duty station - "I wouldn't have said this to you two years ago, but I'd be happy to have you as an OOD on any mission."
One funny story. The day of his change of command he showed up wearing his dress blues with ribbons. However, the uniform of the day was for dress blues with medals. He had me give him my only medal - a National Defense Medal. He was hurriedly pinning it on while Sue was laughing the whole time.
Raymond Fritz
April 21, 2014
On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans (USSVI), we offer our sincere condolences to Sue and all of RADM Volgenau's family and friends as you mourn his passing. May God whisper peace into your hearts, comfort, and heal them. We are grateful for Doug's service to our country in the U.S. Submarine Service. Among many other positions he was the Commanding Officer of the USS Billfish SSN-676. He retired from the Navy as a RADM. To our “Brother of the Dolphin” we say … "Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. May you rest in peace and may God bless your loved ones who remain. Thank you for your service to our country."
So, heavenly Father add his name to the roll
Of our departed shipmates still on patrol.
Let them know that we who survive
Will always keep their memories alive.
Bless those who serve beneath the deep,
Through lonely hours their vigil keep.
May peace their mission ever be!
Protect each one, we ask of Thee.
Bless those at home who wait and pray
For their return by night and day.
Douglas Volgenau, RADM, US Navy Retired, Now on Eternal Patrol.
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate
His record is now posted online in the Eternal Patrol file on the USSVI website.
Rev. Ray Fritz, National Chaplain United States Submarine Veterans, USSVI.
April 21, 2014
RADM VOLGENAU was the one person who had the most influence on my naval career. With the upmost respect. He earned it. CWO2(Ret) J. F. DANIELS
April 20, 2014
Sue, Gigi, Doug and Annie... How sorry I am to learn of Doug's passing today. He was such a fine man, and will live on always, remembered with such love and admiration for his kindness, and integrity. Thank you all for the honour you bestowed to allow me to share in your family and come to know and love your father and husband. Tha gaol agam ort. Gabrielle "Ruthie"
Richard Hubbard
April 11, 2014
I was on the USS Billfish when Catp Volgenau was Squadron 10 commander. He was a decent man, and treated those below him with courtesy and respect. I only wish that I had known at the time that we were both from Buffalo.
Godspeed, Captain
Bob Moore
April 8, 2014
Sue,
Ann and I send our deepest sympathies on the passing of Doug,and have you both in our thoughts and prayers.I worked with Doug on a daily basis when he was Commander of NUSC,Newport RI and New London Ct.He was an outstanding leader and the first Commander of NUSC to rise to Flag while
leading NUSC.
I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to exchange telephone and email with you and Doug only a few weeks before his passing.
"A great Naval Officer to the Navy and to his family".
Judy and Alan Cone
April 3, 2014
Dear Sue,
We all share in your loss of Doug. Please accept our thoughts and prayers for you and your fine family. Be thankful for the wonderful years and times you had with him.
We all share differently in our loss of Doug. Doug was my first “hero”. I knew about Ernst at the Naval Academy, but when Doug became the Color Company Commander... the best of the best... and, when I understood what that meant... that is what I wanted to do. I wanted to do exactly as Doug had done.
When I asked his Dad what I had to do to follow in Doug's footsteps, Uncle Elmer told me I had to do everything right. That included academics, sports, leadership, church, family and community. I learned that I could not get in trouble in school or my community, because that would disqualify me.
Everything I did, I did to qualify for the Naval Academy, and future top success at the Academy. I started spit-shining my shoes... and even spit-shined my football shoes. I was the first in my school to be class president for 4 years. I co-captained the football and tracks teams, made All-America in football and set the state record in track. I was active at church and president of my Boy Scout Troop. I earned a Regents scholarship, National Honorary Society awards and a National Merit Scholarship. I co-won a National Science Award for building a working atom particle accelerator. I was president of my 4-H chapter, raising 300 horned Dorset sheep and winning numerous show competitions at the county and state level. And more...
In other words, I did everything right. With the incredible support of my family, my school and my community, I earned an appointment to The United States Naval Academy, my goal come true.
But, more importantly, Doug, as my hero example, helped me avoid the downfalls of young men in a small town. I was looked up to by everyone in my community. I could not let them down. Everyone had high expectations for me. I could not consider doing the wilder things that hurt many of my friends and classmates.
What started during those years following Doug's example has carried me for a lifetime. I look back at the decisions made, the paths taken and the paths avoided, and realize what a rich and productive life I have lived by and through the values I learned in those formative grade school years... by doing it right. I have been blessed along the way by leaders, coaches, teachers, administrators and mentors who have believed in me and have given of themselves for my success. But, without that start following Doug, I doubt I ever would have met the great people I have worked with or accomplished the successes of my life.
Doug set an early, high standard for me. I fall short of that standard often... but never lose sight of it. His gift to me will last a lifetime. I hope to continue to do it right... and positively influence others.
Thank you for sharing Doug with us. He was always my Mother's favorite and your wedding the storybook romance we all dream of. Doug was a good guy, a tough guy, a serious and funny friend. And, Doug was, and is, my first hero... always.
Family Love, Judy and Alan
Catharine (Sue) Wyman (Alvord)
April 3, 2014
Sue:
My cousin Dick Leland told me of my cousin Doug's passing. I'm very saddened to hear the news. I remember him as a young child when we visited my Aunt Dottie's house. Such fond memories of him and his siblings. A great guy and fun to be around.
Chris, Marjan and Alexander Piccin
April 2, 2014
Sue,
We will all miss Doug's quick wit and kind heart. We will remember him as a man in nearly perpetual motion; always fixing, improving, striving to make something or some person better. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
James and Judith Bugbee
April 1, 2014
We were neighbors in Monterey, CA. During exam week at the Naval Postgraduate School our four year old son disappeared. Doug left his studies to join the search. Thanks to Doug and the others he was found. We have never forgotten.
Allen Lawver
March 31, 2014
Sue and Family,
I was in Doug's squadron when I had my first submarine command, USS Gato (SSN615). Six months after I relieved, I left for a Med deployment. One of the reasons Gato did so well during that deployment was the preparation Doug made sure we completed prior to leaving. Memories of Doug's Navy career and of his role as a father, husband and grandfather can help ease the burden of your loss. Mary and I send our best in this difficult time...
Al and Mary Lawver
Earle and Barbara Messere
March 30, 2014
Sue and your extended Family
Our thoughts and prayers go with you on this enormous loss of your loving husband, father and grandfather. One can only imagine how much he will be missed by his wonderful loving wife and family.
Having lived a very full life, he was dealt a very difficult hand to live with, in these last two years. There is no doubt that he fought the great fight with honor dignity and grace and every ounce of strength he was always known for. It is unfathomable to even imagine what he must've endured.
For you and your family, you have wonderful memories spanning a very diverse complete set of life's experiences.
For us, the memories come from his tour as CO of NUSC in Newport Rhode Island. We were very fortunate to enjoy a special social relationship with you Sue and Doug as a companion to the professional relationship as part of our careers as the leaders of this command. Our trip, for the
four of us, to Italy is still fresh in those memories.
Doug will be remembered by all who have known him as a very dedicated submarine naval officer, "a nuke's nuke". Within that framework he is a man of great integrity and respect, a great sense of duty, serious commitment, physical presence, boundless energy, important contribution to his nation, loyalty to his friends and shipmates, pride and love of his family, and the ability to extend beyond his formal duty to share warmth, genuine friendship, and fun with those around him. The NUSC team helped to "civilianize" Doug, and strongly shared his great honor and pride upon his selection to flag rank.
He is someone that those who knew him enjoyed having as a friend.
He will be sorely missed but strongly remembered by the many memories that all who have known him will easily recall.
Dan Burnfield
March 30, 2014
When I think of three things,
He cared - He cared for the country, he cared for his friends and he cared for those that worked for DOE
He mattered - He changed the navy and he changed the DOE and he changed me.
He loved - We had many talks over the years, we talked about the Navy, and we talked about the Board, but you could not talk to Doug for long without the conversation turning to Sue and his kids and his grand kids. He loved you with all his heart.
I was lucky to have known him for a short time I wish you all my best.
March 30, 2014
My deepest - heartfelt sympathy is being sent to Susan and Doug's family. Needless to say, Doug will always remain, not just a brilliant classmate but a warm and caring friend. He was truly a great man! Circumstances keep me from attending services, but he is not forgotten.
Sonja Jung Philips
Doris Dickerson Coward
March 30, 2014
Dear Sue and Family,
My thoughts are with you and your family during this sad time. Doug was a favorite classmate at ACHS and one of the people I looked forward to visiting with at Class of 1955 reunions. He will continue to live on through you and the others he touched during his lifetime.
March 30, 2014
We were sad to learn of Doug's passing. Mike played football with him at Amherst. His mother was a wonderful social studies teacher. Our thoughts and prayers are with Coleman, Diane and your entire family. Carole and Mike Ferrick
Jim Metzger
March 28, 2014
The world will not be the same without Doug. He was a great man who loved his family with all of his being and was a larger than life personality. We miss him and pass our heartfelt condolences to his wonderful family. It was an honor to serve with him. He will never be forgotten. Jim and Mary Jane Metzger
Archie & Elizabeth
March 28, 2014
Doug lived with honor and dignity and with a spirit large enough to encompass all of us. He moves on with our love and admiration.
Maureen Fahey
March 28, 2014
Sue, Gigi, Doug and Andrea,
Your father is a wonderful man. My deepest condolences and sympathy to you and your extended family. Fondly and with love, Maureen Fahey
March 28, 2014
Our sympathy to the Volgenau family, Doug was a great man who faced his last challenges with courage; we are honored to have known him. Irene Bazos and John Schriver
Doug and Sue at last Billfish reunion
Gary Morrison
March 28, 2014
Gary Morrison
March 27, 2014
Sue; He was the best. He showed us how to be better than we knew we could be. He was fun and funny. I have thought of him often since 1979 and enjoyed seeing him and you at the last Billfish reunion. With sadness, Gary L. Morrison, ETCM(SS) USN, ret.
March 27, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you (Sue and family). We are in Florida so we can't make the service. We enjoyed our friendship with Doug. We had so many great times on and off the golf course !! He was a wonderful person and great friend to us. Love...Pat and Bill Tobin
Joe Pow
March 27, 2014
I remember ADM Volgenau as a man of great intellect and integrity. I feel very fortunate to have known him, if only for a short time. My sincere condolences to his family.
Jeanne Bosse
March 27, 2014
The Bosse Family sends deepest sympathies to our brother-in-law Coleman and the entire Volgenau Family in mourning the loss of Douglas Volgenau. What a life of purpose, dedication and devotion he led!
Patrick & Karlene Hughes
March 27, 2014
We send our heartfelt sympathies to the family -- at the passing of a great neighbor and friend, with thankful thoughts that we were privileged to have known him. Pat & Karlene
March 27, 2014
Dear Sue & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have known Doug, and we will always treasure our steak and salmon dinners at the club.
We regret that circumstances will not permit us to be with you in person tomorrow, but we assure you that we will be there in spirit!
With our very best wishes,
Sincerely,
Carl & Marty
Dick Leisenring
March 27, 2014
Doug Volgeneau... the consummate "Good Guy", loved and respected by family, shipmates and friends alike. His new "duty station" most certainly will fulfill the promise as God's child.
Scott Stephan
March 27, 2014
Our condolences go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
March 27, 2014
God bless you and your family Sue. I will really miss the great times Doug and I shared in the condo in Williamsburg with our classmates for golf. Doug personified the true meaning of shipmate for all and dedicated and caring husband with you. Fred Olds
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