SPRINGFIELD - Roger P. "Duke" Duquette, 66, of the Sixteen Acres section of Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Thursday, July 11, 2013. He passed into Eternal Life at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by all the memories he loved and cherished. He was born in Springfield on June 2, 1947, a beloved son of Theresa M. (Laplante) Duquette of Holyoke and the late Bernard A. Duquette who was Called Home on May 13, 1972. He was raised in Springfield, graduated from the former Springfield Trade High School and was a lifelong resident of the city. He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Duke previously worked at the former American Bosch Company in Springfield and had last been employed as a bus driver for the Early Childhood Center of Greater Springfield. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the National Rifle Association. He was an avid CB Radio fan and was well known on the radio by "Breaker Breaker for the Duke". During his leisure time he enjoyed meeting up with his many friends at the Mohegan Sun and the Foxwoods Casinos. He was a communicant of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Springfield. Besides his mother, he leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Linda J. (Everett) Duquette. They were married on June 2, 1973 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Springfield and were blessed with over 40 years of happiness together. He also leaves his loving daughter, Jennifer L. Duquette of Springfield; his two dear brothers, Robert L. Duquette and his wife, Jeannine, and Donald R. Duquette and his wife, Maureen, all of Chicopee; and his many dear nephews, nieces, grand nephews and grand nieces. His relatives and friends are invited to attend a Service of Committal with Military Honors on Thursday, July 18, 2013 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. There are no visiting hours at the St. Pierre - Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. His family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Soldiers Home in Holyoke, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040.

[Published in The Springfield Republican from July 15 to July 16, 2013]