Douglas Gerard Anne

Canandaigua – Douglas Gerard Anne, 83, was called to our Lord at 5:42 am on Monday, August 25th, 2025, after years of battling Parkinson’s and cardiac disease. He passed peacefully in his sleep with his two children at his side. 

There will be a fireman’s service and short ceremony from the Stanley Lodge #434 IOOF at the Gorham Fire Department, on Thursday, September 25, at 6 p.m. A celebration of Doug’s life will follow until 9 p.m.

Memorial contributions in Doug’s name can be made to the West Webster Volunteer Fire department, the Gorham Volunteer Fire Department, and the Pines at M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center in Canandaigua.

Douglas, son of Alphonse “Babe” and Amelia (Marinaro) Anne, was born November 29th, 1941. Doug was the oldest of three brothers and was raised on Avenue C in Rochester, NY. 

Doug graduated from Franklin High School in 1959 and then completed his college degree at Erie Technical Institute and became a licensed optician working at Bisnett Opticians. Doug met his future wife Nancy Ballou at the Avenue D playground. He would always sit next to her because “she would share her potato chips”. Throughout high school and after, they developed a loving relationship and were married on January 25th, 1964. Together they had two children, Michael and Patricia.

Doug went into business for himself with Nancy by his side, as D & N Opticians. He had multiple retail locations in Rochester and Penfield. He also serviced multiple contracts around Monroe County and the surrounding area as an industrial optician providing safety eyewear and services to dozens of companies and factories. Later in life Doug worked as an optician for the VA in Canandaigua, Rochester, and Bath NY. He was always honored to take care of our veterans. 

Doug’s interests were many. He enjoyed bowling, building and flying remote controlled model aircraft, building model railroads, and local auto racing. He particularly enjoyed being part of the pit crew for friend and local legend Dale Merz and the 4D modified at Spencer Speedway. He built a championship microd in his basement and owned two cars for both of his children at the Williamson Microd Club. Doug continued his love of racing by building a go-cart for his grand-daughter Mikayla who became a class champion at the track in Avon. He had a sharp sense of humor and was always quick with a joke or funny story.

Doug had a private pilot’s license but would get airsick. He also enjoyed travelling all over the northeast with Nancy riding roller coasters and sampling the finest carnival and fair food; but a simple ride on a merry-go-round would make him ill. Doug loved having poker nights with his buddies from the fire department, they loved to eat limburger and onion sandwiches and smoke cigars which made the house reek. Nancy eventually made them set up in the breezeway so she didn’t have to smell it anymore!

Doug loved old war movies, James Bond movies and anything with John Wayne. He would laugh himself sick at Peter Sellers in all of the Pink Panther movies. He took great pride in his silly hat collection; but even more pride in his family. He also had a collection of suspenders. Doug played softball with his brother Tom and coached his son’s youth baseball team.

Doug’s main love, besides his family, was volunteering as a firefighter in the West Webster Fire Department. He spent nearly 30 years as an active member, ultimately achieving the rank of Captain in charge of the ladder truck. Doug was the second oldest living member of the West Webster Volunteer Fire Department, Badge #9. He was also a certified EMT. He later joined the Gorham Fire Department after he and Nancy moved to a six-acre horse farm on Depew Road in Gorham. Doug found his way to the Odd Fellows Fraternity and always held his membership in high esteem. He had a quiet confidence in the way he carried himself and was a good neighbor, always helping anyone who needed it; and consistently found himself in a good amount of trouble when it came to DIYing. (Thank you to the Martin Family for being just as neighborly.)

Doug was particularly proud of his six grandchildren, Katie (Brian) Siebert, Rachel Anne, Sarah (Andrew) Lewis, Michael Anne, Jr., Nikki (Bryce) Nalbach and Mikayla Meyer. They grew up to be a chiropractor, a bakery manager, a pharmacist, a community leasing manager and a US Marine Raider. The youngest is studying to be a zoo director. He also had three great grandchildren. 

Doug faced his death with humility, being confined to a wheelchair or bed for the last years of his life. He leaves behind two children, Michael J. (Patti) Anne and Patricia S. Meyer; two brothers and their spouses, Thomas (Carol) Anne and Jerry (Monica) Anne; numerous sisters-in-law and many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to thank the staff of the Pines at M.M. Ewing Continuing Care for their loving care of Doug during his hospice time.

Please visit www.perkinsamesfuneralhome.com to send a message of condolence to Doug’s Family.