Daniel Hal McDougal

Daniel Hal McDougal, age 71, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, September 19, 2026, surrounded by his long-time companion and husband, Lenny Planes and Louie, Jessie, and Mazie, (their dogs).

Born on August 13, 1955, in Sandy Creek, New York, to the late Hal McDougal and Virginia (Crast) McDougal. A graduate of Sandy Creek School, Daniel went on to higher education, obtaining two master’s degrees in science and counseling/human services and educational administration. He put those degrees to excellent use by serving as Assistant CSE Director for Watertown City School District. His meetings were a showcase for his humor and compassion which came to him as easy as dropping his keys. Dan was awarded Educator of the year in 1986.

Daniel met his beloved husband, Leonard (Lenny) Planes, in 1988 in Provincetown, Massachusetts at a tea dance Lenny relocated from Manhattan to Boston to be with Dan. After four years in Boston, they took a brave but foolish leap into the field of hospitality by operating a bed and breakfast in Pulaski, New York—affectionately remembered as "the bed and breakfast from hell." Losing their collective shirts, they eventually moved to Lacona before settling twenty years ago in Black River. They officially tied the knot (it had become legal) on February 5, 2012. (Lenny’s birthday so that neither had to remember another date). Both became active in the Watertown Little Theatre, where Dan most notably graced the stage as an Elvis impersonator, finding a new use for tube socks, in "Bathroom Humor." 

He is survived by his husband, Lenny Planes; their children, Cody Caskinett, Miguel McDougal Planes, Christapher Earl, and Matthew Nelson; his sister, Nancy (Mark) Liszewski; his brother-in-law, Jonathan Barron; his nieces, Adaiah Barron Cook (Josh) and Hannah Liszewski Malone; his nephews, Nathan (Crissa) Barron, Mitchell (Kylie) Fahnestock, Shane (Alyssa) Fahnestock, Brady Fahnestock, and Tyler Fahnestock; as well as a lively crew of grandchildren, grandnieces and grandnephews.

He was predeceased by his beloved parents and his sister, Rhonda McDougal Barron. As per his and Lenny’s wishes, there will be a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer's Association .

Arrangements are in the care of the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home located at 518 State Street in Carthage, NY 13619. To leave a condolence in his memory please visit www.bezanillafh.com