06/14/2025
Anthony C. Dougalas
Anthony C. Dougalas, 92, of Mountain Top, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at his home, with his loving wife by his side. Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Daniel and Anna (Wroblewski) Dougalas.
Anthony was a 1951 graduate of James M. Coughlin High School and a 1959 graduate of Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. Anthony furthered his education at St. Louis College of Pharmacy and Science and with the Federal Bureau of Investigation/Drug Enforcement Administration.
Anthony is a veteran of the United States Navy with a rank of Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer Second Class, serving during the Korean Conflict.
Anthony was employed by Rea & Derick Drug (now CVS), the former Crossroads Pharmacy and the former Macri Pharmacy prior to opening The Medicine Shoppe in Nanticoke with his wife Alona in 1981. He was a pharmaceutical consultant for the Pennsylvania State Police and the Department of Justice, Bureau of Corrections. Anthony served as an adjunct professor at King’s College, College Misericordia (now Misericordia University), Wilkes College (now Wilkes University), Lackawanna Junior College and Luzerne County Community College prior to his retirement. In addition to his work as a retail pharmacist and adjunct professor, Anthony developed a program for Wyoming Valley Drug and Alcohol Services, Inc., entitled “Operation OTC (Over the Counter)” which identified a comprehensive listing of shelf products being abused by young people.
Anthony was past president and a member of the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association for over 30 years, and received many awards for drug abuse education and prevention during his distinguished career.
In 1981, he received the Retail Druggists’ Award, in 1982, he received
the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association Award, in 1983, he received the Northeast Pennsylvania Society for Training and Development Award, in 1984, he received the Act 120 Police Training Award on Drug Abuse Prevention, in 1985 he was inducted into the Chapel of Four Chaplains, and in 1986, he was awarded the Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Association Community Service Award.
In 2012, he received the first Cardinal Health Generation Rx, Champions Award, presented by the Cardinal Health Foundation.
All in all, he was most proud of being named Pharmacist of the Year in 1988. This award was part of Nancy Reagan’s program “Pharmacists Against Drug Abuse.” Anthony was chosen for this award out of 160,000 nominated practicing pharmacists from all 50 states. This award was presented at the White House on August 10, 1988, by then First Lady, Nancy Reagan
In addition to his parents, Anthony was preceded in death by a son, Mark Dougalas, brother, Daniel Dougalas, sisters, Madeline Wright, Victoria Ridge and Marion Dougalas and two infant brothers
Anthony is survived by his wife of 48 years, the former Alona Tranovich, children, David Dougalas and his wife Cheryl, Bear Creek, Randy Belchick and his wife Jacqueline, Nanticoke, Diane Nelson and her husband Geoffrey, Hummelstown, Renee Dougalas, Wills Point, TX, and Anthony Jr., Wilkes-Barre; grandchildren, Erika (McQuown) Jacobs, Isabella Macoviak, Brinley (Dougalas) Baumgartner, Ryan Dougalas, Tanner Nelson and Katana Nelson; two great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Anthony’s family would like to thank the staff of Griswold Home Care, especially Helen, Christy, Karen, Kaitlyn and Sonia and Hospice of the Sacred Heart, especially Shannon for the wonderful care they provided.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 10AM at St Jude Parish, 420 South Mountain Boulevard, Mountain Top, PA 18707. Anyone attending the mass, is asked to go directly to the church. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart 100 William St., Dunmore, PA 18510
Arrangements are by Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services, 59 Parrish St. Wilkes-Barre. Online condolences at mamarydurkin.com.