Douglas Wilding Dressler

Douglas Wilding Dressler, 85, passed peacefully on September 3, 2025 after finally succumbing to his four year battle with dementia. He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years Christine. Doug was born to Irene and Ralph Dressler in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York on April 6, 1940, was one of three siblings, and attended Glen Rock High School when the family moved to Bergen County, New Jersey. He went on to obtain his undergraduate degree at Bethany College in West Virginia and earned a masters degree at UNC Chapel Hill. He enjoyed a successful career on Wall Street, which enabled him to pursue many of his passions. He loved the outdoors and hunting with his buddies, and his career in finance enabled him and his wife to travel abroad extensively. After retiring with his wife in 2013 and moving to Ocean Isle Beach, NC, he embraced his freedom and channeled his energy into many volunteer activities. He was an active member of SBI Rotary and spent many years serving as a volunteer in the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office as well as Novant Hospital in Bolivia. An avid collector, Doug’s passion for Mopar cars of the Fifties and Sixties never wavered, and he loved showing his treasures at local car shows and national venues. He was also a dedicated collector of Lionel and American Flyer model toy trains and layouts, and any and all memorabilia connected to both pursuits. He was a member of Tri-Beach Car Cruisers of Brunswick County and the Intracoastal Model Railroad Club. Simply stated, he embraced everything associated with the history of our country pertaining to transportation. He loved his classic cars almost as much as he loved the Rock N Roll music associated with the Fabulous Fifties. An uncomplicated, quiet, trusting, gentle and generous human being, Doug only saw the good in people. He touched so many lives during his professional career and in his private life. He never said no to anyone seeking his help or guidance, and so many lives were enhanced as a result of his intrinsically humble and good nature. The light he brought to the world will never be dimmed nor his legacy and memory diminished by the passage of time. Douglas Wilding Dressler was one of a kind.

Doug and his wife Christine attended St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church in Shallotte, NC. Church services are being deferred until a later date. Mass cards would be appreciated in lieu of donations or flowers.