Doug passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025, after five-year battle with cancer. He died as he lived, on his terms. He was born in New Jersey, and moved with his family to Gaithersburg as a teenager. After college in Pennsylvannia, living in Israel on a kibbutz and other stops, Doug graduated from law school, and moved to San Diego, CA to begin his legal career. It was there he later met and married Susan, and their son Jake was born, before moving to the East Coast, and welcoming New York native Emma to their family. Doug is also survived by his brother Richard (Jean Hellering).

Doug served as general counsel to several hospitality companies, for the bulk of his career at Guest Services, Inc. in Fairfax, Virginia. Doug's retirement was official in February, and he had much bigger plans. He dealt with his illness with a fierce determination and an acceptance, which was truly astonishing.

Doug would like to be remembered as someone who cared about his family, his fellow man and the planet. Funeral arrangements are private. Contributions in Doug's memory may be made to Montgomery Hospice, ORT, or American Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel.