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Doug de Lisle Obituary

de Lisle, Doug A. ALBANY Doug de Lisle, of Albany, died Friday, February 1, 2008 in the loving company of his family and significant other at the home of his sister, Denise de Lisle Rossi in East Greenbush. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth R. de Lisle; brother, Donald F. de Lisle; and stepfather, Joseph W. Parker. Doug was educated in Albany public schools and attended the State University of New York, Albany. He began employment with the Times Record in 1974. In 1976, he assumed the position of arts editor and became features editor in 1988, a position he held until the time of his death. His creativity, incisive style and irrepressible humor trade marked his writing as unquestionably de Lisle in his critiques, editorials and weekly column. Doug was familiar to area audiences through his appearances on Channel 13, as an actor and director, and on the other side of the footlights, as an incomparable theater critic. He was a good friend and mentor to many. Opera was another of Doug's passionate interests. As a very young man, he made his way into standing room at the Metropolitan Opera as often as possible to hear the wonderful voices of Franco Corelli and Leontine Price among many luminaries of the time. His collection of operatic recordings knew no bounds, in keeping with his enthusiasm for the genre. Doug's devotion to his family and friends was unswerving and he will be grievously missed by his mother, Laurette de Lisle Parker; sisters, Denise de Lisle Rossi and Carol de Lisle Galvin; nephew, Joseph Rossi and wife Marcy as well as other nieces and nephews and their children; and Jean Foss, his significant other. Mike Mahar, David Girard, Jen Girard, Bob Goepfert, Sally and John Burke and Benita Zahn are numbered among the many friends who figured largely in a life lived to its fullest capacity for joy, honesty, and generosity of spirit. The John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements for the gathering of family and friends in Oakwood Cemetery, Gardner Earl Crematorium Chapel, Troy at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 4, prior to cremation. A memorial and celebration of Doug's life will be held at a time to be announced at Albany Civic Theater and burial will take place in early spring in Hinkley, N.Y. in the family cemetery plot. The family requests that contributions, if desired, be made to Rensselaer Community Hospice in place of flowers. E-mail: [email protected]

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albany Times Union on Feb. 3, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Doug de Lisle

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Robert Rutherford (Rhashanna Grant)

November 20, 2020

I didn't keep in touch over the years and I should have ... Maybe then I would have known when he actually passed. I enjoyed Doug's company in late '92 and early '93 ... he directed the only two productions I was in while staying in New York ... MacBeth and Lisbon Traviata ... I wanted to reintroduce myself as Rhashanna Grant ... rather than the Robert Rutherford he knew me as. I am so sorry I missed you Doug ... You are a fond part of my memory and those are so far and few in between. You are still missed.

Tom Scarff

February 12, 2008

I am so sorry to hear that Doug has left us. He was a true professional and a true character of the finest play ever written.
I met Doug when he directed me in "Jeffrey". He never hesitated to say "Scarff you are far, far over the top". He was right and he will be missed by all who ever had the great opportunity to know him.
RIP

Tracy Young

February 11, 2008

Dearest Doug,

My uncle, someone I will always have warm and loving thoughts of as a child. What fun we had when you came to babysit!! I will always remember the sparkle in your eyes and the warmth of your hugs. Laughter was a balm you readily applied to many family situations with your quick, sharp wit. These memories will be cherished forever. To Denise, God bless you for all you do and have done for your family. And thank you, Jean, for being there and helping our family during this difficult time.
All our love,
Tracy, Nigel and Grace Young

Carol Galvin

February 10, 2008

It was hard to sit down and write this, as I cannot really believe you took your final "bow". I keep expecting you to jump out of the closet and say boo! You were the best prankster of all times...you did all things to the utmost! You were faithful to your family and you have left a BIG void in our lives and I am so grateful for the many funny (and sometimes not so funny) memories you have left for us to rehash and embelish...ah yes, you taught us to do that well too! I love you so much....but I know I will see you again little bro. Love "Sissy" Good grief....glad no one but YOU called me THAT! :)

Patrick McKenna

February 9, 2008

Doug was truly one-of-a-kind. He exuded a joie du vivre of Falstaffian proportions -- opera, playing cards, good food, movies and of course ... Dracula. He didn't easily suffer hypocrits or the self-important, but he was tolerant of fools, and inexperienced (but aspiring) actors. Doug enriched my life greatly ... and my heart goes out to his friends and family. Rest in Peace, Doug

John McEnerney

February 8, 2008

The thing I remember most about Doug was his laugh..... it was a deep laugh that was just contagious.... That's how I will remember him.... My thought go out to his family at this time....

Allison Sharpley

February 5, 2008

One of my favorite moments onstage, I was lucky enough to share with Doug in Nellie Bly. My deepest sympathies to all of his family and friends. He was a truly great talent and a wonderful human being. I feel very fortunate to have known him. Rest in peace.

Elizabeth Giblin

February 5, 2008

Doug,

You will be greatly missed in the opera world. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends at this time.

Sincerely,
Your friends at Lake George Opera

Scott Fields

February 5, 2008

Doug,

Although I did not know you as well as I could have you definately made a lasting Impression on My life. My time with you during "Little Shop" was such a great time. You can rest now My friend, what a contribution you made to the world of theater and music. Thank You Friend.

Scott

Patrick Dowd

February 4, 2008

Doug,

Thanks for your keen laugh and your sharp wit.

I learned a lot from you at the Record and will always remember. Peace

Ron Perry

February 4, 2008

Denise and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Linda Rubino

February 4, 2008

Doug,
I will always be your friend, and will miss you more than you know. The times we worked together I will count as some of the best times of my life. When you cast me in "The Crucible" I was overjoyed, and learned more from you about acting (and life) than I can ever measure. You are a truly gifted soul and I hope you continue to direct all of us who had the honor of knowing you.
Love,
Linda

Maureen Lique' McGill

February 3, 2008

So sorry for your loss. We lived on Morris St in the 50's and knew your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Cindy Nagle

February 3, 2008

Doug, it's far too soon to see you go, but I'm relieved that you don't have to suffer any longer. I and so many others will sorely miss your mischievous blue eyes and droll humor... your impeccable eye for casting and directing... your incredible generosity. I'll never forget your spot-on directing of All in the Timing, and how your performance in Lonely Planet made me cry. I'll always cherish every wonderful moment of Little Shop of Horrors, of which you were so rightfully proud. We have all lost such an extraordinary talent and witty, kind friend in you. May peace and comfortable rest now be yours.

And to Jean: words cannot express my admiration of your selfless love and devotion to Doug. Bless you, and my deepest wishes for healing of your heart.

Ruth & John Bauchiero

February 3, 2008

We are so sorry to hear that Doug had passed away. May God bless your family & friends in your time of sorrow. Our thought & prayers are with you.

Richard Keegan

February 3, 2008

My deepest condolences to the Delisle family & friends on your loss.I always got along with Doug, i remember a long time ago he stopped me on State St and he was so excited about getting a job as a Art critic, and i was so glad for him. My prayers go out to Doug and his family.
Ret'Det Rich Keegan APD

Gregory Bradley

February 3, 2008

I was a cast member of two productions that Doug directed at the wonderful Albany Civic Theater. I was in "The Foreigner" and "Biloxi Blues" and had a great experience with Doug and the other wonderful cast members. There is a long list of things to say about the greatness of this man but to me Doug was a prince. We had a lot of fun together in the short time I had the pleasure of working with him. I loved him and I am honored to say I knew him.
Rest in peace, my friend.

janet LaPlante

February 3, 2008

You will be missed my friend. Working together at the Record you took me under your wing. Your passing was so sad but you will be in my prayers Janet LaPlante

Mary Banten-Kidd

February 3, 2008

Please accept my sympathy during this sad time . I worked with Doug in the early 70s at the Record and will remember his great spirit and humor forever. He will be greatly missed by many. Mary Banten

theresa lorica

February 3, 2008

to the de lisle family and dear friends of doug my deepest symathy to all of you i met doug years ago weused to play cards at his house we always enjoyed joke of the week im sure he is with his creator and am sure he will be missed theresa lorica

Denise Rossi

February 3, 2008

Dearest Doug(ie);
Because of you
I will never watch another episode of Project Runway.
I will never place another exclamation point in a sentence without hearing you sigh!
I will never eat Veal and Peppers in Puerto Rico, or see the sunset over the condo we shared.
I will never have a brother in this world.

Because of You
I will always know the meaning of the words UNCONDITIONAL LOVE....
and know how to spell it.

You edited my life with humor, drama and care.

I will always love you,
your sis
"Denny"

Chris

February 3, 2008

Rest in peace, Doug.

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