Southbridge: Ernest A. Duquette, 92, passed away on Sunday, June 11th, in his home after a long illness.

His wife of  64 years, Helen R. (Boucher) Duquette, passed away on May 28, 2022.  He leaves his daughter, Jan DiGregorio and her husband David of Southbridge; and his granddaughter, Lauren DiGregorio of Southbridge.  He was born in Southbridge the  son of Albert F. and Marion (Greenough) Duquette.  He was a US Air Force Veteran of the Korean War era.  Ernie was a graduate of the former Mary E. Wells High School in Southbridge and went on to get his Bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut and his Master's degree from Western New England College.

Ernie was the Pension and Benefits Manager for the American Optical Co. in Southbridge for 44 years, retiring many years ago.  He was an exceptional golfer and a member of Cohasse Country Club for over 60 years. Additionally, he was inducted into the Southbridge High School Hall of Fame for his prowess on both the basketball court a d baseball diamond. Until recent years, Ernie and Helen wintered in Jupiter, FL, where they had resided for 6 months out of the year beginning in 1990.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday, June 14th, from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a Mass at 12:00pm in Notre Dame Church of the St. John Paul II Parish, 446 Main St., Southbridge.  Burial in New Notre Dame Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family.  Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Tuesday, June 13th, from 5:00 to 7:00pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018.