Richard J. Duquette, 83, passed away Dec. 25, 2024. He was born, and raised, in Ludlow on Jan 4, 1941 to the late Elzear and Lucie Duquette. He attended St. John the Baptist Elementary School, then graduated from Ludlow High School in 1959. Richard attended Western New England College graduation in 1968 with a Degree in Accounting. Richard served in the USAF Reserves from 1962 to 1968. He worked in the I.T. Department at UMass/Amherst for over 31 years, starting as a program analyst and retiring as the I.T. Manager. Richard was a FORM member for many years. He also volunteered at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, where he participated in the Take and Eat Program, and served as a eucharistic minister and senior altar server. Richard leaves his loving wife Paulette (Meunier) Duquette, his daughter; Michelle Paige and her husband Richard of W. Spfld., his twin sons; Richard Duquette of Austin, TX and Paul Duquette and his wife Elizabeth of W. Spfld., his four grandchildren: Michael and Jacqueline Paige and Nicholas and Lauren Duquette, along with many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Richard was predeceased by his nine siblings. A Memorial Mass will be held Jan. 4 at 11 a.m. in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 47 Pine St., W. Spfld. Burial will be held later at the convenience of the family. A Calling Hour will be held from 10 to 11 in the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Richard's name to the St. Thomas the Apostle Annual Fund. If you would like to make a donation to the school, kindly mail your donation to the school. St. Thomas the Apostle School 75 Pine Street West Springfield, MA 01089. The Curran-Jones Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.