Douglas J. Slavens OBITUARY

Douglas J. Slavens OBITUARY

Douglas J. Slavens, 62, ed away unexpectedly at his home in San Diego, California, on May 12, 2025.

Born in Denver, Colorado in 1962, Doug was the beloved son of Robert Lee Slavens and Nancy Porter Slavens.

When he was almost two, Doug and his family (which now included younger brother, Kevin), moved from Denver to Syracuse, NY, where his father would complete his internship and residency in ophthalmology, and eventually establish his practice there.

A 1980 graduate of Fayetteville-Manlius High School, Doug went on to receive a degree in Political Science from the University of Rochester in 1985, where he was also enrolled in the ROTC program.

Initially pursuing a career as an officer in the Marines, Doug achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant before making the decision to leave the Corps in 1990.

Of his honorable discharge from the Marines, Doug’s commanding officer had this to say:

“Delivered with a deep sense of remorse. While I accept the fact that inequities exist within the system, this one – in my opinion – put the Marine Corps on the losing side. Doug, I am confident you will be successful in whatever you do.”

Doug pivoted to a career in Computer Science, receiving a second Bachelor’s and a Master’s from National University in 1992 and 1993, respectively. These degrees launched him into a successful 30+ year career as a computer programmer.

More notable than his career accomplishments, though, was this: Doug Slavens was a Renaissance man. Doug committed deeply to a wide range of extracurricular pursuits over the years – ballroom dance, horseback riding, sailing, choral singing, speaking Chinese, Toastmasters, yoga – anything that Doug put his mind to, he excelled at.

Exceptionally intelligent, with a wicked sense of humor, it is the scintillating conversations and deep belly laughs that Doug’s family will miss most.

Pre-deceased by his parents, Doug is survived by his brother, Kevin Slavens, sister-in-law, Kathleen Lord, his sister, Cynthia Slavens, his great aunt, Ruth Giacopuzzi, and a tribe of beloved cousins.

Celebrations of Life will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 12:30-3:00p at the Studio Yoga One at 1920 Fort Stockton Drive in San Diego, CA, and on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 3:00-7:00p at the Slavens’ family home in Manlius, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Doug’s name to SPOT Animal Rescue: https://spotsavespets.org.