Mervin Douglas "Doug" Theron Terwilliger
- Sep 28, 2023
- 2 min read
1944 - 2023
OBITUARY
Mervin Douglas “Doug” Theron Terwilliger, age 78, beloved husband of 40 years to Danielle Christine Townsend, passed away peacefully at Vassar Brothers Medical Center on September 20, 2023. Born October 30, 1944, in Glen Ridge, NJ, he was the son of Mervin Douglas Terwilliger and Beatrice (Marquette).
Doug proudly served in the U.S. Army before becoming a teacher at Middletown High School, where he retired in 2000. He had a tandem career as a police officer, where he retired as Police Commissioner from the Wappingers Falls Police Department in 1996. He enjoyed both careers immensely and forged many enduring friendships during his tenure in both.
He is survived by his “bride” Danielle Christine Townsend (née Anderson), his sons Matthew Douglas Terwilliger (Kerry) of Lexington, SC, Andrew Todd Terwilliger (Cathy) of Loxahatchee, FL, and Michael Richard Townsend (Ashli) of Warwick, RI. He has nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren, three sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law, and several nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by all.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his uncle Kenneth Terwilliger and his aunt Margaret (Cerone).
Visiting hours will be held from 10am to 11am on 4 November 2023, at Delehanty Funeral Home, 64 E. Main St., Wappingers Falls, NY. Memorial service to follow at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hudson Valley Hospice (www.hvhospice.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).
Arrangements have been entrusted to Delehanty Funeral Home. You may go to their website www.delehantyfuneral.com and sign the family’s guest book.
VISITATION
Saturday, November 4
10:00 - 11:00 AM
Delehanty Funeral Home
64 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY
MEMORIAL SERVICE
Saturday, November 4
Time Pending
Delehanty Funeral Home
64 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY
Mr. Terwilliger was my history teacher twice. I was the class of 1990 and he is one of a few teachers I still remember and talk about. My condolences to the family.
There are not enough words to express what type of brother in law Doug was. He was kind, compassionate, fair, easy to talk to, just genuinely a great guy. We had a lot of good times together. Memories we will cherish forever. He will be truly missed.
We want to express our most heartfelt condolences to Chris and the Terwilliger family.
I worked under Doug's command for many years and he was instrumental in forging a strong police department. He was fair, firm and compassionate, a sign of a good leader. It was an honor to call Doug a friend. We will forever keep him in our hearts.
Bill & Patti Molnar
Mr .Terwilliger you were one of my favorite Teachers both in 9th Grade Social Studies and when I was a Senior at Middletown High School Class of 78 in your law class . You were the best and gave us all a great foundation to be the successful individuals we are today . Sending prayers and love to his family at this difficult time . Maria Ingrassia
God bless you Doug.