Doug and I grew up together in NY.  We even ended up at the same college in Kansas.  We became closer as time went on even when we lived apart.  I always greatly appreciated his fierce competiveness in everything he did.  Don’t ever tell him no because he would achieve it.  We were probably the closest of all and I will always be talking to and about him.

We are so deeply sadden for the loss of Doug.  We are still in disbelieve and wished we had a chance to speak and spend more time with him.  He was a dear friend, who loved Kelly, his family, and always have his back for his friends.  Our hearts ache having the thought that we no longer can hear his casino stories or Yankee stories or simply his remarks on the food he ordered.

Doug, you will be missed, your memories will live on within us, rest in peace, and rest assure that we will be there for Kelly whenever she needs us.  With love, Stacey, Linky, Alexis & Alyssa

When I heard the news, my heart was shattered into billions of pieces. In many ways, I felt that I have grown up with Uncle Dougie. Even though I was unable to see him often, my family and I would make sure that we saw him, Ms. Kelly, and Ms. Barbara. I remember all of the stories he would tell me of his youth, especially his work at the casinos in Vegas and his immense knowledge of the Yankees. The best memory was him showing his crazy tan lines when we went to the pool in his backyard. Looking back at those fond memories now, I realized that Uncle Dougie has helped me grow to become the person I am today with his witty humor, feistiness, and overall uniqueness.

He was the kind of person you never forget—the kind of person who made you laugh a little louder, think a little deeper, and feel completely seen. His voice, his jokes, even the way he makes remarks when someone said something ridiculous—it’s all still so vivid in my mind. Uncle Dougie had this spark, this energy that made every moment feel a little more alive. He didn’t just tell stories—he brought them to life. Through every laugh and every lesson, he left a mark on me that I will carry forever.

I would give anything for one more conversation, one more story, one more pool day. But I know he’s still with me—in the way I tell jokes, in the way I notice the small things, in the way I love my family. His spirit lives on in all of us who were lucky enough to know and love him.

I miss him more than words can say. But I’m endlessly thankful for every memory, every moment, and every bit of love he gave so freely. Although Uncle Dougie was never my true uncle, he always made my family and I feel special.

With love,
Alexis

The day I heard about the news I was in shock. I never wanted to believe what I heard was true. It hurts me to know that you won't be able to see what I grow up to be. I remember how many times you made me laugh and joked about your tan lines from playing golf. We would sit outside by your pool and talk about everything that came to our minds. It was the best time. You always knew what to say no matter what mood I was in and your stories always cheered me up. Even though I knew nothing about baseball, you would always talk about how the Yankees was your favorite team and loved how they play. You also came to every one of my birthday dinners and celebrated with me when I'm in Vegas. I remember loving every moment that we shared and how happy I was that you were there to be with me on my special day.  Words cannot express how I feel losing you. I can't even hold back tears as I write this to you. You are missed very dearly. Just know that you will be my one and only Uncle Dougie. You help shaped me to be who I am and I will always love you for that.

With love, 
Alyssa

Gonna miss Doug. On behalf of Siena outside staff. Doug enjoyed his golf at Siena. He was my favorite New Yorker. I appreciated the no nonsense New Yorker in him. Thanks for your contributions to Fabulous Las Vegas Doug. Doug had a pretty cool DASH in life it looks like.

Loyal, funny and generous immediately come to mind when I think of Doug.  But I gotta add "feisty".  Doug loved a good argument, always with a twinkle in his eye and just a hint of a grin.  Hilarious and great fun.  He'll be missed.

Loyal, funny and generous immediately come to mind when I think of Doug.  But I also gotta add "feisty".  Doug loved a good argument, always with a twinkle in his eye, and just a hint of a grin.  Hilarious and great fun.  He'll be missed.

To my dear cousins Kelly and Laurie,
Missing Douglas hurts my heart. Mike and I loved him and remember his kindness and generosity.  We know how much he loved you Kelly.
Laurie-Doug always spoke of his closeness to you. 
Asking the Lord to give peace to you both and an abundance of grace, peace and great memories. 
Love Mike and Barbara

Doug & Kelly always opened their house and hearts to all their family and friends with such generousity so that we could gather around for the holidays, and we will always remember those times and so many others we have shared together. Doug will always have a very special place in our hearts...

I am so deeply sorry for the loss of Douglas. He was a dear cousin and I wish I could have had more time to spend with him. He was a good husband, brother, cousin and devoted son to his late mother.  I deeply admired his devotion and care to her service.   Kelly, Lorraine, you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap his arms around you and give you peace and comfort in difficult times. 
God bless you, Douglas. Until we meet again in Heaven, rest in peace.

Doug was a dear friend of mine for over 25 years. What a unique individual! There will never be  anyone like Doug in my life ever again. We have golfed  countless times together over the past 2 1/2 decades. We have taken shots at each other  when the Indians would play the Yankees, and always end up laughing.  
Anyone who was fortunate enough to know Doug, or  lucky enough to have been his friend, can understand the pain I feel for the loss of one of the most trustworthy and loyal men I have ever known
Rest in peace, my friend

Doug was one of a kind & I say that with a smile.  My husband Randy & I net him during Thanksgiving of 2008.  Randy & Doug bonded over sports.  Our families have been through a lot together & Doug has always been  at Kelly’s side.  This Thanksgiving will be different without him.  We will still cook the meal, but who will carve?  We all will have to figure that part out as the months go by.  Love, Gina & Randy Anderson

My heart is hurting …my life, some more tears, a little less laughing….because, I Will be missing my friend of so many years….. Doug and I met at the Flaming Hilton in the 1980’s….we worked, laughed, and shared experiences and friends together…. We were honest and loyal friends….What a wonderful man,……..dear Doug….I will miss you very much………..with love Michele Berkley Jacoby

Doug had been one of my best friends for over 40 years. I wish we had 40 more. I am going to miss you more than you will ever know. Rest in peace... Until we meet again.

I was saddened to hear about Doug's passing and will miss his sense of humor.
My sincere condolences to his family, and may he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Joel Robins

P.S. Where will I get my Yankees update from?

Dear Kelly and family,  My sincere condolences on Doug’s passing. I have loved Doug’s humor and stories these last 25+ years. Every memory of Dougy D makes me smile. He was fun and funny, and he loved his family immensely. I will miss him. 

Love, Latricia Golden

I still don’t believe that Doug is no longer with us. He really knew how to light up a room.  As he used to say “I’m dinner and a show”.  

We shared many laughs over the last few years on the golf course,  playing poker or just generally socializing. He always had some side splitting stories. 

I was always excited to see him, especially if the Yankees won their game the night before. He knew his baseball and sports in general which is why we had so much in common. 

I still think when I’m watching a Yankee baseball game what is Doug going to say about this or that. 

You’ll be missed my friend. Rest in peace.

Doug,
SMGC will dearly miss you! My deepest sympathy to the family and love ones.
Tony de Perio

So grateful we were part of Doug’s life. Too many wonderful memories to count. So many laughs and great times. We Will cherish every one of them. Until we meet again Doug. All our love, Deena and Barry. ❤️

I thought I would share these pictures with all of you from when we were all in a traveling show together. What we loved the most about Doug was his beautiful smile and laughter. 
Enjoy,
Alan and Karen Butterfield

OBITUARY

Douglas James DeSale

November 25, 1951 – June 30, 2025

Palm Southwest Mortuary

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services