Douglas “Dougie” Peter Corrigan, 70, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous two-year battle with cancer.
Born on November 3, 1954, Doug lived his entire life in Wellesley, MA, where his roots ran deep and his presence was felt widely. He graduated from Wellesley High School and went on to pursue his passion for cooking at Johnson & Wales Culinary School in Rhode Island.
For 54 years, Doug was a cherished member of the Dana Hall School community, where he served as a chef, mentor, and friend to generations of students, families, faculty, and staff.
Doug didn’t just cook – he fed people’s souls. Whether serving up lunch in the dining hall or running the after-hours snack bar for students, Doug’s presence was a steady and comforting part of daily life on campus. He lived on campus with his beloved wife, raised his daughter there, and poured his whole heart into the community he loved. Dana Hall wasn’t just where he worked – it was home.
You cannot overstate the goodness of Dougie – his compassion, or his devotion to his family, friends, and wider community. For more than five decades, he filled the stomachs of thousands with his culinary delights, and filled our hearts and souls with love, humor, and warmth. His generosity was his calling card – the impromptu delivery of a meal or a container of his signature squash soup to someone who was sick, grieving, or simply in need of comfort. And it wasn’t just one meal – it was hundreds over the years, offered without fanfare and from the deepest well of kindness.
Doug was, above all, a joyful and generous person. His infectious positivity lit up every room he entered. He was kind to everyone, never had a bad word to say, and would quite literally give you the shirt off his back. His deep compassion and natural warmth left a lasting impression on everyone – from lifelong friends to passing acquaintances.
Doug was known for his many passions. He was a proud member of the Dana Hall Faculty Jug Band, where he played guitar and harmonica with joy and a big grin, jamming alongside dear friends and bringing music to campus events. Music was his happy place – whether he was blasting Bruce Springsteen in his truck, strumming a tune in his living room, or adding harmonica to a back-porch singalong. He also loved playing cribbage with his family, often accompanied by laughter, a bit of friendly competition, and an ice cold beer nearby.
Doug also had a lifelong love for cars, especially his 1965 Mustang, affectionately named Clara. He could often be found in his garage, tinkering with Clara’s engine, taking her out for a satisfying rev around the block, or showing her off at a Modifiers Car Club event. When he wasn’t making music or tuning his Mustang, Doug found peace in the outdoors – from spending weekends on Cape Cod to simply tossing a tennis ball to his beloved black lab on campus.
Doug is survived by his devoted wife Donna and daughter Kelsey, both of whom were the center of his world. He is also survived by his large and loving family: his brothers James Corrigan and Ernest Corrigan; his sisters Beth Hedges, Barbara Corrigan, Susan Sheehan, and Katherine Trowbridge; and numerous beloved in-laws, nieces, and nephews, all of whom he adored.
A wake will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St. Wellesley, and is open to all who wish to pay their respects.
A private family burial will take place on Thursday, June 26 at 11:00 AM.
Later that day, friends and family are warmly invited to a Celebration of Life at the Dana Hall School’s Erisman Dining Center from 4:30 - 7:30 PM. The event will be informal and open to all - the more the merrier. Food and drinks will be provided, and guests are encouraged to share stories, memories, or songs in honor of Doug’s beautiful life and joyful spirit.
Doug’s legacy is one of kindness, laughter, generosity, music, and light. He leaves behind a community that was better for knowing him – and a world a little warmer, louder, and more loving because he was in it.
Donations in Doug's name may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.donate.cancer.org or Alström Syndrome International at www.alstrom.org.