Douglas Daniel McNamara

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Doug McNamara, age 62, of Durham, NC. He passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Friday January 31, 2025.

Doug is survived by his wife Robyn, parents Donald McNamara of South Colton, NY and Annemarie Regan of Colton, NY; sons, Matthew McNamara of San Jose, CA, Mark McNamara of Tracy, CA; daughters, Jessica Cassetori of Chelsea, AL, Sharra Miller and husband Justin of Hampstead, MD; sister, Patricia McNamara Wells and husband Kenny of Massena, NY; grandchildren, Jace Miller, Raleigh Mae Miller, Wyatt Miller, Sawyer McNamara, Hailey Cassetori and Dillon Cassetori; nieces, Britney Wells and Megan Wells.

Raised on a US-German Army Base, Doug spent his childhood exploring Europe, adorned with his sister under his wing. Once his family settled stateside, Doug met his lifelong love, Robyn, the two were married in 1984. Together they raised their family in upstate New York for 22 years, before calling North Carolina their home for the most recent 19 years.  

He was most youthful in the presence of his grandchildren, lovingly named “Papa”. Fun, silly and always energized to show them new things, never without candy in tow! 

Doug was an alumni of SUNY Canton with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Beyond his technical background, Doug was a talented craftsman that enjoyed building and fixing things which showed itself in many family home improvement projects. 

A lifelong adventurer with his wife by his side, leaving behind a legacy of cherished family memories from camping, road trips and cruises across the globe. He was a smart, talented and vivid storyteller that enjoyed recounting memories of his childhood, adventures with friends, worldly travels, culinary experiences, history factoids and family memories. 

The proud author of the McNamara Family Tree, showcasing the lineage of seven generations. Togetherness meant most to Doug, an encouraging connector on holidays, vacations, special occasions, and family gatherings with his home made noodle soup, scratch made gravy, or spaetzle. A culinary connoisseur, Doug's passion for sweets and savory meals with family was essential. From baking, grilling or making beef jerky for a road trip, Doug was a talented chef that equally enjoyed a steak dinner or seafood buffet.  

Through the years, Doug enjoyed fish aquariums, pier fishing, casinos, puzzles, scrabble, poker, watching movies-comedy and action, history documentaries, and an avid gold collector. He was especially fond of cruising in fast brightly colored cars while classic rock music played on the radio. 

Beyond all of these special things, Doug was deeply loved and will be dearly missed by family for his humorous and outgoing personality, tenacious spirit, strong confidence and his velvety resonant voice.

Services will be held at a later date in Colton, New York.