Douglas James Small of East Coventry Pennsylvania passed away in his wife’s loving arms at dawn on Monday, July 1, 2024. He was 71 years old. Doug was the beloved husband of Diane Marie Shackleford, 56 years together, 47 of them married.
Doug was born in Englewood New Jersey the day after Christmas to Anne Williams and James J. Small Jr. Besides New Jersey, he also grew up in Birmingham Michigan and Wayne Pennsylvania. He graduated from Archbishop John Carroll High School for Boys Radnor in 1971. He attended Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg Maryland and St. Joseph University where he studied Food Marketing.
In addition to his cherished wife Diane, he is survived by his three beautiful children Bridget Anne (Dr. Michael DeAngelo), Douglas J. Jr. (Dr. Stephany Small) and Colleen Marie (Todd Penza) and his grandchildren whom he proudly and fondly called his “Super Six,” Eleanor, Evan, Elise, Holly, Declan, and Bradley. He is also survived by his siblings Thomas, James, Jeffrey, Charles, Patricia, Susan, Robert and Donald. He is predeceased by his parents, his sister Claire and his baby brother Mark.
Doug was a natural at sales like his father and grandfather. He retired from his long and accomplished career in the food industry, his last position being National Sales Director Retail Sales at FreshMark Canton Ohio. He had many friends throughout the industry and cherished these relationships.
Doug spent his time doting on his grandchildren, traveling with Diane, hunting with his brothers, nephews and friends and planting trees wherever he could. Doug was a man with an incredible work ethic and a contagious love of nature which he gifted to anyone he knew. He called Lincoln Nebraska his home for 19 years, a place near and dear to his heart.
Doug has been described as “incredibly intimidating and equally kind.” A big heart, sense of humor and love of adventure made him someone you wanted to be around. He brought energy and passion to all phases of his life. He was an incredible storyteller, reflective of his Irish roots to be sure.
We would like to thank all the kind hearted caregivers who throughout the last six months made Doug’s last days easier.
A viewing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Alleva Funeral Home,1724 East Lancaster Avenue, Paoli, Pennsylvania 19301, followed by a viewing Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am and Mass of Christian Burial both at St. Thomas of Villanova Church 800 East Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, Pennsylvania at 11am.
Donations
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Doug’s name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association and the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation are appreciated.
Lewy Body Dementia Association
912 Killian Hill Road SW
Lilburn, Georgia 30047
Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation
https://ppff.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate
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