Final Salute

Douglas Charles “Doug” Ferguson, 90, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025, in Williamsville, New York.

Doug was born on January 29, 1935, in Utica, New York and was raised in Whitesboro, New York. A star athlete in high school, he excelled in basketball and carried his love of sports throughout his life. During his high school years, he met Janet Pelc while working together on the prom committee. Instantly smitten but always a gentleman, Doug honored his commitment to his original date but asked Janet to the prom breakfast instead. From that moment in 1953, they were inseparable. On June 10, 1957, Doug and Janet married in Utica before beginning their life together in Lancaster, New York.

Doug proudly served his country as a member of United States Navy serving in the Seabees from 1955 to 1957.  Doug received a Certificate of Recognition from the United States Secretary of Defense for his service.

Following his military service, he pursued higher education at the State University of New York College at Buffalo, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Management.  His career led him to Westinghouse Electric Corporation in Buffalo, holding various management positions culminating in General Manager of the Medium Motor Division, where he dedicated himself to his work with diligence and integrity.  He retired from Westinghouse in 1987 and worked as a consultant for several years before fully retiring.

Beyond his professional achievements, Doug was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished time spent with family above all else. He and Janet raised four children—Debbie, Steve, Bill, and Jenny—instilling in them the values of kindness, hard work, and perseverance. A quiet man, Doug found immense joy in being surrounded by his loved ones and took great pride in watching his family grow over the years.

Doug was a true gentlemen. He was calm and respectful to everyone. He rarely raised his voice and never swore. His kindness, hard work, and helpfulness made a lasting impression on those around him. He had a way of quietly offering advice, lending a hand with a project, or just taking the time to listen to others. He never sought the spotlight—he just wanted to quietly help in whatever way he could. For years, he would help make sure that everyone’s driveways and sidewalks were cleared of snow. If a family member, friend, or neighbor needed help, he gave it without hesitation. He still climbed on his roof to make repairs into his 80s. A man of quiet strength and deep devotion to others, Doug gave back to his community as a volunteer firefighter for the Whitesboro and Bowmansville Fire Departments. He also performed volunteer work with Meals on Wheels with Janet for many years.

Doug enjoyed playing golf, traveling, attending concerts and plays but most of all, Doug treasured every opportunity to be with his beloved family.  He and Janet would make giant piles of leaves so their grandchildren could jump into them. Every grandchild has fond memories of tractor rides with Grandpa. When two of his grandchildren lived in Australia for several years, they would freeze snowballs so they could play with snow when they visited in the summer. When their grandchildren were small, they played countless games and read to them for hours. As their grandchildren grew, they never missed an important event—whether it be a concert, sports event, prom or graduation. Doug and Janet were always side by side, and even after more than 70 years together, they still held hands and shared a deep and abiding love that everyone around them could see.

Doug is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 68 years, Janet; his children, the late Debbie (Bob) Braun, Steve Ferguson (Regina), Bill Ferguson (Concetta), and Jenny Friedman (Don Corriere); grandchildren Nick (Sarah) Schiske; Rebecca (Chris) Weber; Colleen (Alex) Roney and Mike (Megan) Ferguson; Laura Shea and Elizabeth, Liam, and Aaron Ferguson; Madeleine Friedman (Christian Montes) and Alex Friedman; great-grandchildren Ben and Lillian Schiske and Amelia and Logan Weber; as well as extended family members who will miss him dearly. He is pre-deceased by his brother David and sister Jeanne.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on February 27, 2025, at St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Lancaster, New York at 10:00 AM. Please assemble at the church, no prior visitations.

On February 28, 2025, a Celebration of Life will take place from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Elderwood Village at Williamsville, 5271 Main Street in Williamsville, New York.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Lancaster Meals on Wheels program.  Share condolences at wendelandloecherinc.com