There are a few ways to remember Douglas McLearen:
As the red-headed punk with a fist raised in the front row at the forefront of the punk movement. Doug’s first concert was David Bowie in 1975 and over the course of the next 48 years he likely attended more concerts than anyone you’ve ever known. These hundreds of concerts included frequent nights at the famed CBGB’s and Max’s Kansas City, sneaking backstage with legends like the Ramones. Doug was the punk who never backed down from a fight and always found his way to the front row.
As the diehard New York Yankee fan who believed a real fan should “never get off the boat.” Doug always stuck it out until the bottom of the ninth because he knew it was never over, until it was over. He was there through the drought years of the 1980s and for some of the most important Yankee moments over the last half-century. There, too, he scouted out and somehow always found the best seats in the house. Doug swore “a hotdog at the stadium is better than a steak at The Ritz.” He wasn’t sure what “The Ritz” was but it sounded fancy.
As “Dougie Fresh,” who always looked good and always made the person he was with (and himself) laugh. Few among us were immune to his smile, which revealed a single dimple. He could never resist speaking his mind when something unjust or just plain stupid was said within earshot. Growing up on the “mean streets” of Shrewsbury, Doug could not go anywhere in Monmouth County without running into a friend.
As the loving father who always made it a priority to share his passions and create memorable experiences with his daughters. Doug was a supportive and loyal father who somehow always knew what to say and never failed to show up when it mattered.
However you remember him, Douglas McLearen’s life was full. He knew the importance of making every day count, welcoming experiences as they come, and walking away with a great story. Anyone with the privilege of having known Doug, loved him. Those of us with that privilege are better off for having known him and have the stories to prove it.
His legacy is carried on by his daughters, Chrissi and Catie, by his brother Marc, sister Mary, niece Bridget, and nephews Dylan, Corey and Jarrett. He was predeceased by his father John, mother Ole and brother Tom.
Memorial visitation was held Oct. 7 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. Stories of Douglas were shared. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Heart to Heart International.
Please share your stories and photos of Douglas with his daughters at Dougiefreshtimes19@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared in the October 12 – 18, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
