GRAFTON/SUTTON: Richard U. “Dick” LaDuke, 80, passed away January 29, 2022 at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester following complications from cancer. He leaves his wife of 57 years, Evelyn M. (Dauphinais) LaDuke, his children Anne LaDuke and her wife Judy Schluer, Peter LaDuke and Kevin LaDuke and his wife Lori, his grandchildren Jonathan and Katherine LaDuke, sister Rosemary Perrin and several nieces and nephews. Dick was born July 1, 1941, in Worcester, son of the late Ruth (Allen) and Urban “Bobo” LaDuke. He grew up in South Grafton, attended Grafton High School where he was Class President, and went to Huntington Prep School before earning his Bachelor’s degree from Springfield College. Dick then began a long teaching career at Westborough High School that spanned 42 years. Dick also enjoyed his seasonal jobs driving trucks and snow plows for many years. He most recently worked for the Cape Cod Regional Transit Association until his passing.
But if you knew Dick, you probably remember him as “Coach.” During his Westborough High School career, he coached Baseball for 12 years, Softball for 9 years, and was Assistant Football Coach for 24 years. However, his great love was coaching Basketball, which he did for 38 years, amassing 488 wins, many league titles, and 4 Clark Tournament Championships. Dick was a member of the New England/MA High School Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame and the Hall of Fame at Grafton and Westborough High Schools. Upon his retirement, he was a devoted fan who could always be found in the stands cheering on his grandchildren at their basketball games.
He prized time with his family locally and on Cape Cod, where he and Evelyn spent many years. He always looked forward to a round of golf with his son, daughter and grandson, or with the group known as the “Dawn Patrol” where they would meet and play at Bass River Country Club in Dennis.
His family extends heartfelt thanks to the UMass Memorial Staff Lakeside ICU and step-down units for their kindness and compassion. All are welcome to a Funeral Mass for Dick which will be celebrated Saturday February 5th at 11:00am at St. Mary’s Church in North Grafton. There are no calling hours, and the burial will be private. In lieu of flowers please honor Dick with a donation to the charity of your choice. A Book of Memories to share a special message with his family is available online at:
www.RoneyFuneralHome.com