Joseph T. Dukeman passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on October 23, 2013. He was 88 years old.
Joseph lived a life filled with love, service, dedication, honor and duty. Throughout his life he serve others. In his childhood he was a devoted son to his beloved mother Lucy, a brother who demonstrated unending love and service to his sister and brothers, in particular his brother George who contracted polio as a child.
Like most of the boys in his generation he answered his country’s call to duty during World War II. He served as a combat infantryman in General Patton’s legendary Third Army as a member of the 26th Infantry Division. With the 26th Yankee Division he fought for the liberation of Europe and for his brothers in arms. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for his actions in combat, the combat infantry badge and many other medals for his outstanding service in combat during WWII.
After returning from the war, Joe met and married the love of his life. Connie Vuolo, settled in Malden and served his community as a Malden Police Patrolman for 32 years. The lessons learned on the battlefields of Europe helped him as he served his community and his brothers in blue. “A Cop’s Cop” his bravery and kindness were recognized many times by the Department and the respect he received from his brother officers was unfailing. All who served with him remember him fondly with great love and admiration. Joseph was also a member of the Yankee Division Veteran’s Association, Battle of the Bulge Veteran’s Association and the Arlington Mens Club.
With his wife of 56 years, Connie (Vuolo) Dukeman, he raised three children; Joseph Dukeman Jr. of Lynnfield, Stephen Dukeman and his wife Pamela of Westwood and Christine Fitzgerald and her husband Robert of Lynnfield. Joseph was devoted to his children throughout his life. He was blessed to have 4 grandchildren who he was so proud of and loved so completely. Cole, Ryan, Abby and Emily were a constant source of pride for him and he reveled in their love and successes. He loved his family and dedicated himself to his wife, children and grandchildren.
He was a beloved son, brother, soldier, husband, police office, father, grandfather, brother-in-law and uncle and demonstrated the meaning of duty, honor and commitment and love.
The funeral will be held from the A. J. Spadafora Funeral Home, 865 Main Street, Malden on Monday, October 28th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Sacred Hearts Church, 297 Main Street, Malden at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours are Sunday, October 27th from 3-7 p.m. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Lynnfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph’s memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.