Douglas P Planer

Doug Planer was born in Irvington, NJ in 1956. Raised by his parents Mildred "Millie" & George Planer. His close family; grand parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends helped shape who we know today. Upon graduating from high school, Doug took some accounting courses.Worked in Woolworth's as a stock clerk, then the City of Irvington Parking Authority making friends on the police force while collecting coin from the meters. Doug collected many friends along the way, much more valuable to him than those coins. If you did not connect for a while, the time or distance apart didn't matter, since in his heart you were always just as close. Close friends, trips to Disney World, storm chasing for a spell (if asked, he could tell you what each cloud formation was or if a storm was brewing) Changing careers he worked at U.S & Overseas Insurance Agency in Union from 1988 to the day before his surgery this year. (still training someone to step in while he was out) Friends as close as family were made there. The Lord Blessed Doug with "finding" his 2 loves of his life at Grace n' Peace Fellowship Church in Cranford. (now International House of Prayer-E.G.) Lynore Giampino , with her big eyes, big smile and even bigger heart, funny wit, and story telling won him over in short order. Bringing with her a wonderful family to share. Her father brought Doug into the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 1988, joining Clinton Lodge#18 in Cranford. Lynore's untimely death in 2004 was devastating. Doug was temporarily adopted by a church family to re-coop for a month. Dottie Treichler walked back into Grace n' Peace after some events in her life. Doug was hit with God's "love bug" once again.(who'd have thunk it!-she didn't) A few years later, they married, bought a house and upon signing the deed, Doug having never lived in a house, asked the attorneys' "Who do I call when something breaks?" At Union County Baptist Church, Dottie brought Doug into more friends to be made, more teachings of God to learn. The 2 churches have a Blessing throughout. Many years were devoted to making food for the needy in Elizabeth, Street Light Ministries, also helped with Gateway Pregnancy Center fund raisers. Doug for several years on Friday nights at Union County Baptist Church taught the children about our Lord & His Love for us; "Mr. Ducky"he was dubbed by a 3 yr. old, and has stuck with the children to this day. Doug moved up the ranks in the Grand Lodge, becoming Grand Master 2013-2014, continuing the support of the Arthritis Foundation, Emmanuel Cancer Foundation, Rhonda's Club (Ovarian Cancer) to name a few.His charity for the year was Children's Specialized Hospital. He loved sports, would bowl and play softball when he could, vacation in Florida (Disney Nut!) and Lancaster, PA("God's country"). Doug found great fulfillment in Odd Fellow activities, fund raising, as well as playing santa at the" Jingle Bell Run", acting in skits he helped design "City Slickers Go To the Farm" and "Play Ball!" at 2 conventions. His laugh, smile and enthusiasm, determination will be missed. In lieu of flowers, we ask you consider a donation to Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation, Arthritis Foundation and Emmanuel Cancer Foundation