Sunday
May 5, 2024 
Douglas William Ketcham of Perkasie, Pa., passed away peacefully on Sept. 4 at the age of 80.
Born Sept. 2, 1943 in Amityville, Long Island, N.Y., he was the son of William Marsh Ketcham, a postman and Marine Corp veteran, and Dorothea Ina Onderdonk, an early education teacher.
A graduate of Amityville High School in 1961, he became driven and seemingly always prepared. Self taught throughout life, he became a handyman through and through and took pride in his ability to build or repair just about anything. His working career spanned various levels within the construction industry as he made his way from a survey specialist, to project manager to company vice president. His time included stays at Boeing, James D. Morrissey, PKF Mark III, Inc. and Allan Myers.
Throughout his life, he was a lover and collector of cars and especially Corvettes and was a long standing member of the National Corvette Restorers Society. Baseball, always in his heart since Amityville Little League and his childhood rooting for the Brooklyn Dodgers, led to a longtime Phillies fandom and an “award winning” Phillies Dream week experience in 1994 – his later years, still, with excursions to Citizens Bank Park for Father’s Day Phillies games with his “kids.” His interests were wide ranging and included numismatics, researching his ancestry, Nantucket basket making and creating a great meal from the grill. Most days would include a relaxing read of the local newspaper and The Amityville Record.
But, above all, his true love was always his family. His happiest moments being when his wife – and best friend – was by his side and his children, grandchildren and extended family were together for holiday parties, anniversaries, family reunions, special events or just because. The Christmas holiday season, especially, will be remembered for the joy he felt at having his family together to celebrate.
He was a man who was loving, quiet, sincere, compassionate and a protector to the end. He was someone who took more satisfaction in helping those around him whether that be a neighbor in need, a local Little League, the Boy Scouts of America, or the local Police Association.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Dot and Bill. He leaves behind his wife and soulmate of 59 years, Susan, daughter Jodi (Chaz LaBella), son Michael (Dawn), five grandchildren – Samantha, Sydney, Grace, Morgan, and Eric, two great-grandchildren – Cole and Avery, his sisters Sandee Molden and Wendy Rasey (Tom) and countless memories of a life well lived.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested a donation be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. In keeping with his nature, a private funeral service for the family is planned.
To send condolences to the family, please visit the funeral home website below.
Shelly Funeral Home, Plumsteadville
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