In Memory of Douglas R. Pens

Obituary

We announce with deep sorrow that Douglas R. Pens, age 78, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Doug, who split his time between New Hartford, NY, and Leesburg, FL, was born on February 22, 1945, in Cortland, NY, to the late Edward Charles and Mary Joan Pens (nee Paganelli).

After graduating from Cortland High School, Doug earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Education from the State University of New York at Cortland. He furthered his education in Alpine Ecosystems at Colorado State University and Ecology at Cornell University.

Doug married his lifelong partner, Eileen Davies, on July 5, 1969, at St. George's Church in Hempstead, NY. Together, they raised a beautiful family, traveled the world, and celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary this past summer.

For thirty-three years, Doug dedicated himself to education, spending thirty of those years at New Hartford High School. He was a trailblazer, initiating the first High School Ecology course in the nation and founding an innovative high school Outdoor Education program, which included hands-on learning at SUNY Cortland’s Outdoor Education Center at Raquette Lake, countless whale watches, spring ecology trips to Hawaii and so much more.

His excellence in teaching was recognized with numerous awards, including the EPA Environmental Achievement Award and New York State Outstanding Biology Teacher Award. Beyond teaching, he coached various sports, led clubs, was a frequent guest lecturer, and mentored student teachers. Notably, he was a licensed wildlife rehabilitator specializing in birds of prey and contributed significantly to local wildlife efforts.

Doug was affiliated with several organizations, including the Gamma Tau Sigma Fraternity, the Utica Curling Club, the Cornell Institute of Biology Teachers, and the Italian American Club.

Doug was an enthusiastic photographer, naturalist, and co-author of "Wildflowers of New York" and "Birds of the Adirondacks." He loved the outdoors, engaging in activities like fishing, golfing, scuba diving and kayaking, especially when accompanied by his children and grandchildren.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Eileen; children, Amy (Drew Porter), Chad (Maria Shepherd), and Matthew (Grace Cooper); and grandchildren, Reed, Quinn, Grady, Kellen, and Violet. He was predeceased by his brother, Edward H. Pens, and brother-in-law, Ronald Davies.

A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, October 19th, from 4-6 pm, with a service to follow at 6 pm at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd, New Hartford, NY 13413.

In lieu of flowers or gifts please consider a donation towards the establishment of a memorial fund in Douglas’s name.

https://gofund.me/0901a9ba

Doug's commitment to education, nature, and his family endures through the many lives he enriched.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.