Duane Dubuque formerly of Providence, died peacefully on April 19th, 2019 at Fairview Retirement Community in Groton, CT. Born on September 13th, 1949 to Major Archie F. and Dorothea Dubuque (nee Champlin) in Cheyenne, WY, Duane spent most of his youth between the family home in North Stonington, CT and their beach cottage in Misquamicut, RI. As a student at both Wheeler High School and the University of Connecticut, Duane developed skills as a computer wizard and he held many IT and customer service related positions in various industries across New England.
While he enjoyed his work, Duane’s true passion was for antique cars. He amassed a large collection of model vehicles throughout life and he had an encyclopedic memory about the history of the automotive industry. This amazing memory made him an accomplished storyteller and he could remember details of his youth with absolute clarity. He was happiest when reminiscing about happy days and hijinks with his parents and siblings on the farm or at the beach.
Duane was an accomplished singer and his distinctively deep baritone was much sought after by choruses around Rhode Island. For many years, he was a devoted member of the Providence Gay Men’s Chorus. He was recognized as an avid supporter of the gay community and he volunteered his time as a mentor with organizations like Youth Pride and Dignity RI. Duane helped many young men come to terms with their identity at a time when an LGBTQ lifestyle was still very controversial.
Duane’s life was defined by his dedication to help those less fortunate then himself—an attribute instilled in him at an early age by his parents who exhibited true Yankee generosity and kindness of heart. His family and friends will remember his deep, rolling laughter and his gregarious personality. Though predeceased by his parents, Duane leaves behind his five siblings Pamela Whitehead of Yarmouth, Maine (Robert), D’ann Fede of North Stonington (David), Gregory Dubuque (Diana), Deborah Timlin of Westerly (Paul) and Polly Gillie of Westerly (Bruce), as well as eleven nieces and nephews and seven grand nieces and nephews.
Duane was laid to rest in September during a private ceremony at the family cemetery in North Stonington. Donations can be made online in Duane’s memory to Fairview Retirement Community.