John Douglass Dumbrille

1949 - 2021

John Douglass Dumbrille

Moorpark - April 29, 1949 - February 19, 2021

Kind of like a real-life version of the Elf, John Douglass Dumbrille was a tall, goofy guy, a perpetual child who would grab handfuls of M&M's and mix up weird, sweet concoctions as he meandered through the kitchen. John, 71, died peacefully in his sleep at home in Moorpark, Calif. on February 19, 2021 after a long illness. He was dearly loved and is sincerely missed by his family and friends.

Born on April 29, 1949 in Los Angeles, John grew up and was educated in Beverly Hills. He was married to Michele McCaffrey for 48 years and they had one son.

Endless energy, coupled with a charismatic nature, is what made this salesman a success in the construction materials industry. As a devoted father he channeled that vigor into a variety of activities — coaching his son's Little League teams and taking him on fun-filled sailing trips.

John was proud of his work in sales, often pointing out the many projects that he headed while driving around LA, including the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, the Getty Center and the 23, the 134 and the 118 freeways.

As a grandson of the actor Douglass Dumbrille, he often dreamed of joining that business. While he did act in some plays, John would probably agree that his skills were best put to use when he played the part of Santa Claus as a volunteer every Christmas.

Although he had an innate childlike demeanor, the father of one was also serious about the important nature of his work and had such an unbounding love for family that you would often hear him say, "family is everything."

John took that sentiment to heart after retiring, buying an RV so he and his wife could visit their grandsons in Northern California. He also had an affection for Disneyland that was contagious, even making up a song about the theme park and singing it on the drive there with his family every Thanksgiving.

A loving Poppy, dad, husband, uncle, brother and friend, John's beautiful soul truly made wherever he was "the Happiest Place on Earth."

John is survived by his wife Michele (McCaffrey) Douglass, son Mike Douglass, grandsons Will and Jake Douglass, daughter-in-law Rebecca Douglass, brother Philip Dumbrille, sister Kathleen (Dumbrille) Bremner, plus nieces, nephews and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen Dumbrille.

A celebration of life will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 13955 Peach Hill Road, Moorpark, Calif. 93021 on Saturday, June 26 from 11 am to 1:30 pm.