Emmons E. Douglass, age 81, died peacefully on August 21, 2002 at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington.
He was born in Swampscott on March 26, 1921, a son of the late Charles H. and Martha E. (Wilkins) Douglass.
Emmons lived in Medford for 67 years and graduated Medford High School, Class of 1938. He then attended Wentworth Institute and graduated from Bryant & Stratton Commercial School in 1942.
From then, he was promptly enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in World War II. He served principally with the European Civil Affairs Division in Scotland and Norway. He was awarded the British Empire Medal and attained the rank of Technician 3rd Grade.
Emmons worked six years for Boston Automatic Fire Alarm Co., and 36 years as property insurance underwriter for American Hardware Insurance Group, retiring in 1989.
An avid fire buff all his life, he belonged to several buff groups. He was an honorary member of Local 1032 of the International Association of Fire Fighters. In 1975 the union published his "Medford Fire Department - 1630 to 1975" and in 1993 his book "While the Flames Raged" was published.
Predeceased by his beloved wife Ruth (Macfarlane) Douglass and their son David C. Douglass. Cherished brother of Charles H. Douglass, Jr. of Peabody. Dear uncle of Virginia E. Douglass of Amesbury and Martha E. Kirby of Danvers. Also survived by several great nieces and great nephews.
His funeral service will be held in the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 29 Governors Avenue, Saturday, August 24, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours, Friday, August 23, 2002 from 6 to 9 p.m. Interment, Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
Donations in Emmon's memory may be made to the charity of your choice.