Douglas Milke

His personality could overflow any room and he gathered very little moss. Doug worked for RCA as an electrical engineer design specialist, launching the first U.S. satellite into space and designing the camera that took the pictures on the moon. But when Doug came home from work, he became the most popular guy: He’d pile his kids into the back of his station wagon and head off for a park. The kids would get to run around, Doug would hit some golf balls and his wife would get a couple hours of respite. A jack of all trades, his house was impeccably maintained. You’d hear him whistle while he worked, cutting grass, painting walls and turning a wrench on anything broken. When Doug picked up a hobby he was all in, be it from his youth when he played semipro football in Philly or later in life, scrambling for birdies and 7/10 splits. And he enjoyed watching sports just as much: the proud member of Arney’s Army he had the honor of meeting Palmer. He believed in gun safety and taught a generation respect for firearms as a range master at the Delran Range. But the most important part of his life was his faith. Doug knew the Good News and shared it with all who would listen: he was an active member and Sunday School Teacher at Beverly Presbyterian Church. At 17 he’d join the Marines, serving in the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.
As a dashing lad he’d walk into a Philadelphia Soda Shop and win the heart of the pretty girl named Alice behind the counter. A year later they’d elope. Their fulfilling marriage of 69 years was blessed by 9 children: Christine (Steve) Amoroso, Douglas, Bernadette (John Fratantaro), Darlene (Joe) SantaCroce, Cheryl, the late Robin Rago, Dan (Linda), Jeanette (Rick) Francesco and Ronald (Christine); 23 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was the brother of Wanda Knowles and Raymond Milke.
Come celebrate 89 great years Saturday November 11 noon to 2 p.m. at the Beverly Presbyterian Church, where there will be a 2 p.m. service.