Dr. Douglas Vincent Lia, 74, of Huntley, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025.
He was born on January 2, 1951 in Bethpage, New York to Vincent and Marie (Weingart) Lia. He earned his Doctorate in Reading Education and worked as an Educator across several institutions throughout his career: Chicago State University, Dominican University, Loyola University, Elmwood Park School District, Yorkville Grade School, Longbeach Elementary, and Alice Gustafson Elementary. After moving from Elk Grove Village, he called Huntley home for the last seven years. He also authored several books, including “Spit the Pit: An Italian American Folktale.”
Douglas was multifaceted. He enjoyed a diverse array of hobbies, including photography, reading, gardening, and collecting angel figurines. He volunteered much of his time to the Legacy Walk Project in Chicago, writing several of the plaques placed along its path. Above all, he loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his children: Emily (Tom) Mierzejewski, Phillip (Annie) Lia, and Andrew (Jenny) Lia; a step-daughter, Megan (Jeff) Adam; two brothers, Richard (Gail) Lia, and Michael (Jean) Lia; and nine grandchildren, Anna, Alivia, Daniel, Victoria, Jackson, Matthew, Griffin, Kaylee, and Jack.
Douglas was preceded in death by John King; a brother, James (Jennifer) Lia; and an infant grandson, Jackie Lia.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025 from 4pm-7pm, with prayers at 6:30pm, at DeFiore Funeral Home – 10763 Dundee Rd. Huntley, Illinois 60142. Memorial donations are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
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I loved Doug. He was a great guy with such a witty and dry sense of humor. I will miss him. He left a great family behind.
Andy (and family) so very sorry for your loss, I never had the pleasure of meeting your dad - but since he raised you - I know he was an amazing guy - cuz’ the apples don’t fall too far from the family tree! Sending big hugs your way!
I’m a friend of Doug. He’s funny and he loves to play puzzles. We love to watch Family Feud and we even have our own answers to Steve Harvey’s questions. I will miss him so much. 😭
My husband Ron Gutkowski worked with Doug for a number of years in Elmwood Park at Elmwood School. He always thought of Doug very highly and they shared a number of jokes and jabs through the years being the only males in the building along with Paul Ptack. Ron passed May 2017. He will be missed in the world of education. I also substituted for Doug for a majority of the years he was in the district. And I thought he was great to work for and extremely supportive. Sorry for your loss.
I am saddened to hear of Doug’s passing. We worked at Elmwood Park. He was always so positive and upbeat. He is a one in a million Man.
God bless you Doug! You were a wonderful, fair man. I enjoyed working with you at Elmwood school. Rest in peace🙏
I knew Doug Lia as a visionary and pioneer, both as an educator and as a friend. In the beginning of Doug’s teaching career he created and implemented effective classroom teaching methods to bestow children with a skill for, and love of reading. Soon, he was sharing his enthusiasm for these methods with other teachers. Meanwhile, Doug continued his own education, first earning a masters and then a doctor’s degree, all while helping raise a family and teaching. In Doug’s role as a school principal and college instructor he communicated his love of learning with his special blend of “Doug Lia ingredients” of encouragement, enthusiasm, passion, empathy, humor, and always… with loving support. Doug brought this blend of ingredients to bear in his personal life with family and friends. Continuing the role of pioneer, he was never satisfied with the status quo. He sought and found truth and integrity in an expanded ability to be fully present and real in relating with those he loved. To quote Carl Sandberg, Doug chose to travel the path less trodden, and that has made all the difference. . . a lasting, positive difference for everyone Doug loved: family, students, teachers, and friends. Doug, may Almighty God continue to hold and keep you in the palm of his hand, and grant you peace.
What a beautiful man and soul. He is going to be missed terribly. I laughed and smiled so much with him. 💔
I worked with Doug in Elmwood Park and enjoyed him tremendously. He was an asset to the district and was missed by many when he moved on. I was so sorry to hear of his passing, my condolences to all of his family and friends.