John J. Douglass, 90, of Lowell, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026, at Lowell General Hospital. He was born in Lowell on May 1, 1936, and was the beloved son of the late James Douglass of East Boston and the late Gertrude (Moran) Douglass of Somerville.
John grew up in the Highland's on B Street and was a graduate of Lowell High School, Class of 1954, where he was an accomplished track athlete and one of the school’s top track stars during his time there. He also lived in Concord, NH for a number of years. He went on to work for the Courier Citizen as a negative reader, a position he held for many years.
He was a longtime and active member of his community. He was a Life Member of the Lowell/Chelmsford Elks, the Pawtucketville Social Club, VFW, The S.A.C. Club, The Firefighters Club, the Irish American Club and the American Legion, where, in his younger years, he also served as a bartender. His talents even brought him aboard the M.S. Mt. Washington on Lake Winnipesaukee where he tended bar for a political event in the 1960's. He took great pride in being involved with these organizations and the people he came to know through them.
John had many interests and enjoyed a life filled with wonderful memories. He loved the outdoors and camping, and he had a unique collection of liquor bottles that he enjoyed building over the years. He also had a deep appreciation for music. On one memorable Christmas, he played Santa for the City of Lowell during the annual City of Lights/Holiday parade, a position he held over the years during many Christmas's for family and friends.
He was the devoted husband of the late Ann T. (Bradley) Douglass, with whom he shared many wonderful years of marriage before her passing. They enjoyed traveling throughout the world together. They spent 25 years making memories at Wyman’s Beach and cruised the Caribbean countless times. His love of travel and adventure brought him and Ann many unforgettable experiences together. He cherished the time they spent together and the life they built as a family.
John will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his children, James Dorris and his wife, Susan, of Inglis, FL, Robert Dorris and his wife, Marsha, of North Chelmsford, Joseph Dorris and his wife, Suzanne, of San Antonio, FL, Lisa (Dorris) Pilato and her husband, George , of Lowell, and Heather (Douglass) Kelleher and her husband, Peter, of Lowell; his twelve grandchildren, James Dorris, Michael Pilato and his wife, Amanda, George Pilato, Toni Marie (Pilato) Nimeskern, and her husband Johnny, Joseph Dorris Jr., Emily Dorris, Robbie Dorris and hjs wife, Elizabeth, Justyna Dorris and Jake Vieira, his great-grandchildren, Braeden, Riley, Jaxson, Georgie and another grandson due in January and his brother, Paul Douglass and his wife, Edith, of Dracut and several nieces and nephews.
He was also the stepfather of the late William Dorris and the brother of the late James Douglass and the late Joan McGlinchey.
Additionally, the family would like to thank the team at Lowell General Hospital, Main Campus on D3 and especially his nurses, Michelle and Melissa, for their care and compassion during his final days.
Relatives and friends are invited to his calling hours on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Lowell, on Thursday, at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery, 1251 Gorham Street, Lowell. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in his name to Lowell General Hospital, Pallative Care/Hospice at 295 Varnum Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of the McDonough Funeral Home. For additional information or to offer an online condolence, please use this website or find us on Facebook.