Windham - Douglas G. Gemmell, 76, of Windham, NH, died Tuesday morning, August 4th, 2026, at home surrounded by family.

He was born on January 8th, 1950, in Newark, NJ, to the late Douglas and Marie (Schaab) Gemmell.

He grew up the middle child of three, between his sisters Carol and Sandy, both very dear to him. He was proud of his German and Scottish heritage. Doug made a name for himself on the hoop courts of inner city Newark and while playing for Barringer High. Recruited by multiple D-1 schools, he chose to make the University of Notre Dame his home, where he became a Monogram Winner and as a senior, was voted Captain of the Fighting Irish basketball team.

While at ND he developed lifelong friendships and a deep allegiance to his alma mater. He blessed his children with countless memories of trips to his reunions, ND football and basketball games, and regular adventures to Madison Square Garden for the Big East Tournament to "watch the Irish lose."

He worked in the Midwest after college before following his college coach, John Dee, to Colorado to work in the Denver auditor's office. He also served as head coach of the Denver Police Basketball team while proudly moonlighting as Colorado's only one-legged bartender. It was there that his great sense of humor and fun-loving spirit drew in another cohort of devoted friends and sparked a lifelong passion for great music. It was also where he met his wife, Nadema.

He followed Nadema back to New Hampshire and they were married in 1984. Together they planted roots on Canobie Lake and raised their children, and ultimately, hosted their grandchildren for a weekly sleepover. An avid reader, you'd often find him enjoying a good book - his rescue pug Rockne at his feet - under his favorite Japanese Maple tree overlooking the lake. Known for his burger grilling acumen and pancake mastery, Doug enjoyed many years feeding his kids, their friends and cousins, and in later years, his grandchildren – spatula always at the ready.

Doug was the sole owner and operator of Gemmell Appraisal Services in Salem for 35 years, priding himself on getting his Senior Residential Appraiser designation and being the 66th Certified Appraiser in the State of New Hampshire. Doug coached his children, Douglas and Elizabeth, in basketball, but most enjoyed playing endless hours of one-on-one in their driveway.

Doug is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Nadema (Hyatt) Gemmell, their two children, seven grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Children: Elizabeth Marie Hartke (husband Michael) of Londonderry, NH and Douglas George McClarty Gemmell II (wife, Andrea) of Salem, NH. Beloved grandchildren: Jack Wilbur (11), Marie Angelina (9), Avellina Elizabeth (7), Nadema Bell (3), Luca Anthony (1), Gabriella Louise (9 months), Matthew James (3 months). He is also survived by two sisters, Carol Hislop (husband Ken), and Sandy Sharo (husband George).

Forever living to the beat of his own drum, Doug never wavered in his profound loyalty to those he loved, his quiet acts of kindness, his deep love for his family, and his heart for the underdog.

Doug's funeral will be celebrated on Saturday, August 15th at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph Church in Lawrence, MA.

Family and friends may call prior to the funeral on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the John Breen Funeral Home, 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA.

For online condolences and other information please go to www.breenfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either of the following charitable organizations:

Kevin Guest House, 782 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY 14203

Saint Basil's Seminary, 30 East Street, Methuen, MA 01844