Douglas James Magee

Douglas James Magee, 83, of Longwood, Florida, peacefully passed into the Arms of his Lord, Wed., Dec. 31, 2014, after a long illness. Pre-deceased by his firstborn son, James Douglas Magee, 52, departed Easter Mon., April 5, 2010, reunited for Eternal Life. He is survived by his loving wife, Arlene Genevieve Zammit and three sons: Richard John (Richelle) Apopka, FL; Donald Paul, Orlando, FL, both born in Hackensack, NJ, as was Jim; and 4th son, born in Abington, PA, Thomas Patrick (Ruby) Lake Mary, FL Mr. Magee, a.k.a."Pop-Pop" is also survived by his five grandchildren who dearly loved romping with him: his first and only granddaughter, Samantha Anne Magee Lindsey (Drew), Rockmart, GA, Christopher Lee Magee (Meghan), Sandy Springs, GA; Kyle Richard Magee, Apopka, FL; Douglas Patrick and Michael Thomas Magee, Longwood, FL and newborn, Callaway "Cal" Wynn Magee on Jan.12. This firstborn great-grandson would have bestowed the title of great-grandfather on Douglas; but, it is felt that he was taken to admire Baby Cal in Heaven, to put his Magee stamp of approval on this beautiful baby boy, before sending him down to be doted on by Christopher, his mother, Meghan, etc Mr. Magee was born in Milford, Del., the only child of Douglas James Magee and Virginia Wilds Graham. He was raised in the Bronx, NY, attended Catholic Schools: Our Lady of Refuge Elementary and Mount St. Michael Academy, a private, all-boys high school founded by the Marist Brothers. With the blessing of his non-practicing, Protestant parents, he became a convert at the age of 8 and was also a dedicated altar boy. He was graduated from prep school, Cushing Academy, Ashburnham, Mass. and Nichols College, Dudley, Mass. He also served in the U. S. Army Reserves. Upon his graduation in 1953, he was hired by Sylvania Electric Co., NYC, his sole employer for "39 yrs., 4 mos., etc." He began as a Statistician, Lighting Division, Sales Department, rising to Regional Sales Manager, NYC, Photolamp Division's largest territory with 40+ sales reps... and... received on-going Sales and Marketing degrees via the company. In the Teterboro, NJ warehouse, commuting from Bronxville, Westchester County, NY, he was introduced to his future bride, Arlene, and was blest to celebrate their Sacrament of Marriage, 58 yrs. He'd quip, "It'd be cheaper to marry Arlene than buy the George Washington Bridge." His career moved his family from NJ to Philadelphia, PA, where he became a Knight at the invitation of a business customer, receiving his 4th degree in the Archbishop Ryan General Assembly; then back to NYC... residing in suburban Stamford, CT; and finally, Orlando, FL, since June, 1975. "Wither thou goest, I will go," He retired early at 62, Jan. 29, 1993, to continue travels abroad, an unexpected honor granted both by GTE Sylvania. Doug leaves behind Arlene's 4 sisters and brothers-in-law, Dolores Perrelli (Gabe), Lodi, NJ; Carolyn Beach (Frank), Jacksonville, FL; Bernadette Michel (Carl), Mineral, VA; and Norma Hunter (Paul), Tampa, FL Douglas became Norma's 2nd Daddy at her tender kindergarten age of 5 1/2. Also, his maternal, 7 yr. older, only first cousin, Bette Graham McKinnon, Ashville, NC, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, godsons and goddaughters scattered over the map; many dear friends from Sylvania and St. Mary Magdalen Parish, etc.! :) A few lifelong friends out of state, especially, George M. in Calif. When Doug arrived at the Pearly Gates, probably, SMM's former Sacred Heart Fathers Luke Lindon and "Mac" Bobbie McGuire, back in the '80's hugged him joyously. And, won't he be surprised to find his Cushing Academy roommate, Ed McSweeney, saving room for him since 11/26, Thanksgiving Eve, 2014...?!? His wife, JoAnne and Arlene found that a poignant blessing in disguise... Mr. Magee's executive abilities served his St. Mary Magdalen Parish, mostly behind the scenes in leadership roles, for over 33 years of his 40 here, with three pastors, Father Patrick J. Caverly (Msgr., Church of the Annunciation), Father Paul J. Henry (Rector, Our Lady Queen of the Universe Shrine) and our beloved, first American-born Pastor, Father Charlie Mitchell, from W.V. for 15 of his 21 years at SMM. Doug's God-given gift of hospitality endeared him to many way back to 1975, whether assisting or greeting for the Newcomer's Welcome Comm. socials, etc., selling 50/50's... or... foolishly performing en masse for Habitat fundraisers... or... behind a camera... or... visibly at church in his dressed-up role as an usher, especially, for the 10 a.m. Mass... or... in his formal attire: white tux for Christmas Midnight Mass and Easter Vigil. It went on and on...! :) He also developed a fondness for Reno's Peppermill, touted by SMM friends and also, Father Ed; attending Mass at The Little Flower Church on the corner of Bowling Alley, with Msgr. Bowling, aka "Father" Reno.. and becoming a special delivery "carrier pigeon" between his very dear friend, Msgr. Ed Thompson and its pastor, etc. Nothing made him happier in his nursing facility, where he was much loved, than to receive a quick visit or phone call from Father Ed or Father Charlie... humbling further this very dear, fun, yet low-key and unassuming gentleman! CT friends of old, label him, A Pillar of the Church... dittoed by his family and all who've admired his genuine rapport with all... Priest, Prophet or King. A Memorial Mass in Celebration of the Life of Doug Magee is scheduled for Sat., Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 2015, 11 a.m., St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, Maitland Ave. and Spring Lake Rd. with a Reception following in the Parish Life Center. Attire: Please honor Doug and this official day dedicated to Love with colorful Valentine shades of clothing... or... just a bit of bright color; a tie, a scarf, or accessories, etc. HE WILL LOVE it. :) Donations may be made to: 1. The Knights of Columbus, Bishop Grady Council, St. Mary Magdalen Church, 861 Maitland Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32751 2. Habitat for Humanity, St. Mary Magdalen Church, 861 Maitland Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32751 3. Ministry to the Sick, St. Mary Magdalen Church, 861 Maitland Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32751 4. Hospice of the Comforter, 595 Montgomery Road, Altamonte Springs, FL. 32714

Douglas James Magee

November 23, 1931 - December 31, 2014