Van Doran "Dorney" F. Douglass, Jr.

Van Doran “Dorney” F. Douglass, Jr., 84, of Palmyra, formerly of Ambler, PA passed away on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at Hershey Medical Center. Born Tuesday, July 6, 1937, in Norristown, PA, he was the son of the late Van Doran F., Sr. and Vida Lillian (Vercoe) Douglass.  He was married 61 years to Joanne R. (Seitz) Douglass. 

Dorney earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Physics from Muhlenberg College in 1959. After his graduation, he joined the Navy where he was stationed in Panama City, FL as a Navy Medic. He was also stationed at Bethesda Naval Medical Center where he was doing research for the Navy. After his Naval service, he began working for Chemical Rubber Co. in Bethesda, MD selling laboratory supplies. From 1964 to 1999 Dorney worked for J.T. Baker, later Mallinckrodt, where he worked as a Manger Packaging Regulatory Compliance. After his retirement he started his own consulting firm in toxic tort litigation.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children: Judith R. Douglass of Hummelstown; Dorney (Van Doran, III) Douglass and wife Beth of Collegeville, and Sandra J. Reisinger and husband Daryl of Palmyra; eight grandchildren: Nicholas Musser (Wife, Erika Musser), Matthew Musser, Benjamin Musser (Wife, Meghan Musser), Emily Knecht, Steven Douglass, Caroline Douglass Stambaugh (Husband, Ian Stambaugh), Christopher Douglass and Chancellor Reisinger; and four great grandchildren: Jack, Charlie, Daniel, and Henry (Hank).

Dorney loved camping and spending time with family at Trails End near Milford, PA. After retiring he and his wife enjoyed camping in their motorhome, travelling across the continental US. He was an avid photographer of his travels and his family. He also enjoyed trains, woodworking, stained glass and gardening. A 32nd degree Mason, he was a member of Fritz Lodge #308, F&AM, Conshohocken.

Relatives and friends are invited to a time of viewing at Whitemarsh Memorial Park, 1169 Limekiln Pike, Ambler, PA 19002 from 10:00-11:00 AM. A Masonic Service will be conducted by his lodge at 11:00 AM, with a funeral service immediately following. Burial with Military Honors will follow on the cemetery grounds.

Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or Crohn’s and Colitis foundation.

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