Leon J. Duquette, Jr. died Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the Milford Regional Medical Center, after a period of declining health.  He leaves his wife of 59 years, Constance (Nolin) Duquette; two sons, Gary and his wife Betty-Jo, of Linwood, and Keith, of Whitinsville; four grandchildren: Curtis, Susanne, Lindsey, and Jacob; and a sister, Joan Erickson, of Colorado.  

Lee was born in Saylesville, RI, November 16, 1938, to Leon J. and Eleanor (Krieger) Duquette, Sr.  He grew up in Central Falls and was a graduate of Hope High School in Providence.  Upon graduation from high school, Lee enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving for six years.  Although he had a pilot's license since his teen years, while in the service he didn't fly airplanes, but instead worked on F-100's.  His experience working on plane electronics led him to pursue an associate degree in electronics when he left the service.  Lee worked in the banking computer industry for several decades, starting in sales while living in Atlanta, Georgia and later as a New England regional manager, bringing him and his family to live in Whitinsville in 1973.

As a young man, Lee played semi-professional hockey for the Rhode Island Reds. Later, he was active in the Knights of Columbus Council 365 and was a regular caller for weekly BINGO. He and his father shared a fascination and passion for flying; family photos show Lee as a young boy sitting on pillows in the cockpit flying alongside his father.  When his family was young, they would fly out of the Lincoln, Rhode Island airport to any airport that had a diner where they would eat breakfast, then fly back.  He enjoyed reading Tom Clancey novels and historical non-fiction and was proud of the fact that he had visited 47 states and 33 countries.  

Honoring Lee's wishes, there are no scheduled services.