- March 15, 2026
Douglas Kendall Pineo, 77, of Palm Coast, Florida passed away suddenly on 3/1/2026. He was born on February 2, 1949 in Hartford, Connecticut to Kendall Pineo and Lillian Andresen Pineo. He was a 1967 graduate of Northfield Mount Hermon Preparatory School, served in the US Army, and completed his education at the University of New Hampshire, where he received his degree in Civil Engineering in 1980. He married Edwina Dunkle on 6/6/2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Doug’s career as a Civil Engineer began at the time telecommunications was a growing industry, and this soon became Doug’s area of expertise. His career spanned the United States and he also spent time in Sri Lanka. His final career move landed him in Pittsburgh, PA where he was recruited by Crown Castle International to help build what became a structural engineering team highly recognized across the industry for excellence and integrity. This legacy was formed through diligence and tireless effort. He was passionate about teaching and mentoring young engineers. Doug served as a professional role model to many, with his patient guidance and enthusiasm for the profession shaping the early stages of countless careers in the field. Doug took pride in his work, not for the titles or recognition, but because he truly loved what he did. He was never too busy to teach or learn and had a special ability to simplify and explain complicated issues to enable others to succeed. Doug was a trusted advisor at Crown Castle and his time was marked with the sales and marketing “Saving Our Bacon” award where he was given a Rolex Submariner watch. Doug created value and lasting impact in the lives of many and the organization as a whole. We are all better engineers and better people having known and worked with Doug.
A bachelor for much of his life, Doug’s career didn’t leave much time for romance. After retiring in 2015, he decided he wanted to give love one more try, and met Edwina Dunkle through an online dating app. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and in 2020, at the age of 71, Doug married for the first time.
A lifelong outdoorsman, Doug’s great passion for whitewater kayaking led him on decades of adventures with paddling comrades. Always a positive role model, Doug’s quest for both adventure and competence on the river was much admired by fellow paddlers. Doug’s company on the river was a tremendous asset and full of entertaining shenanigans. Whether paddling the big water rivers of Costa Rica, Colorado or the narrow, rocky creeks of New England, Doug’s expertise and positive outlook kindled long lasting friendships with fellow river rats.
He has been a resident of Palm Coast since 2020, first as a “snow bird” and just recently moving permanently with Edwina into their retirement dream home. Always active, Doug jumped at the chance to join a local pool league and loved his time as a member of the Bullsharks Billiard Team at the Cue Note Billiard Room in Palm Coast.
Doug is survived by his beloved wife Edwina, sisters Joanne (Jody) Lorenz, Martha (Marty) Etsell, brother David Pineo, nieces Jennifer Etsell, Heather Daniels, Amanda Ampon (Edwin), Hannah Lorenz, nephews Adam Etsell, Peter Leavitt, great nephews Mason Ampon and Levi Ampon, step-daughters Rachael French (William Ommert), Lydia French (Brad Reed) and grandsons Theo Ommert and August Ommert. He was preceded in death by his sister Julianne Daniels.
Doug was an extraordinary, kind soul who cared deeply about the world; he truly treasured his friendships, was devoted to and loved his family even more than he loved chocolate.
A private memorial will be held for family and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Doug’s name to American Whitewater (https://www.americanwhitewater.org).
