Charles E. Duquette Sr.

Charles E. Duquette Sr.1923-2014WILBRAHAM- Charles E. Duquette Sr, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at Life Care of Wilbraham. Charles was born in Indian Orchard on June 5, 1923; he was the son of the late Albert Ulysses and Anna (Gagne) Duquette. Charles lived most of his life in the village of Indian Orchard. He was an avid sportsman who loved the outdoors. A longtime member of the Swift River Sportmen's Club, he loved hunting, skeet shooting, target shooting and fishing. Especially fishing. Besides his own children, he taught many of his nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren how to fish.  After attending St. Aloysius Grammar School, he was naturally fluent in French and English by the time he went to the Myrtle Street School for ninth grade. He graduated from Technical High School just as war was breaking out in Europe. During WWII, Charles flew numerous missions over Europe as a tail-gunner in a B-17. After the war, he married Rita Sullivan of Springfield on May 1, 1947. Charles worked for Monsanto Chemical Company in Indian Orchard for over four decades. While at Monsanto, he played on the industrial league softball team and bowling league team. He was also a member of Monsanto's statewide handgun competition shooting team. He was also a scoutmaster for Indian Orchard Boy Scout Troop 40. He was an active member of the Orchard Covenant Church in Indian Orchard. Charles was a gentle and loving father that always had time for his children. He would often make up stories for all the children in the family, featuring Chief White Eagle, a little boy, and two goats named "Licky" and "Ba-Ba." Charles is survived by his wife of 67 years, Rita S. Duquette and their children; Patrick C. Duquette and his wife Sheila Duquette of Monson; Jeffrey Duquette of Southwick; Christine Newton and her husband Ralph Newton of Monson; and Charles Duquette Jr.  and his wife Jacqueline Duquette of Stoughton. He is survived by his brother Albert Duquette of Indian Orchard, and his sister Cora Duquette of East Longmeadow. He leaves five cherished grandchildren; Joan Long, Erin Duquette, Nic Duquette, Douglas Duquette, and Sara Wenzel, and six beloved great-grandchildren; Haley, Nadine, Alice, Grace, Joey and Clive. Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 19, 2014 from 4-7pm at the Ratell Funeral Home, 200 Main Street, Indian Orchard. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 10am at the Orchard Covenant Church, 95 Berkshire Street, Indian Orchard, MA. Burial will be at a later date in the Veteran's Cemetery in Agawam, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Orchard Covenant Church. For further information please visit Ratellfuneralhome.com.Ratell Funeral Home(413) 543-3836