George P. Ducharme

George P. Ducharme ,92, of Burrillville, RI passed away on July 11, 2022 at the Overlook Nursing Home in Pascoag. Born in Harrisville, RI he was the son of the late George and Florence (Forgue) Ducharme.

He was the loving and devoted husband to Marguerite Ducharme for 70 years.

Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his children, Richard Ducharme of Nasonville, Gerald Ducharme and his wife Jacqueline of Warwick, David Ducharme and his wife Cheryl, Jane Finocchiaro and her husband Vincent of Florida, Joan Surprenant, and her husband Wayne of Mapleville. Also, six grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and his brother, Robert P. Ducharme of FL.

A lifelong Burrillville resident, Mr. Ducharme graduated from Burrillville High School in 1948. While at BHS, he played 4 years of baseball, football, and hockey, earning 8 varsity letters. Also, two out of the four years, he was an All- League football and All – State baseball selection. He furthered his education at Providence College, playing baseball and hockey and graduated in 1952 with a BA in education.

After graduation he served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1952-1954 with an honorable discharge. After coming home from Korea he played football for the Burrillville Mules, a former Semi- Pro football team. From 1954 to 1965 he taught English and History and was an assistant coach of baseball and football for seven years. As head coach. his baseball teams were Division Champions in 1962 and 1963, then State Champions in 1965. He was also the head football coach of the 1962 Football League champions.

His love of sports never dwindled. He was the Providence College Assistant Hockey Coach from 1955-1963. He also coached Wrights Farm Softball and Ron’s Spaghetti House from 1981- 1985. He held positions of vice principal and principal during the years of 1965-1984 at the Burrillville Junior-Senior High School. Retiring as Principal of the Junior High School. In addition, he served the community as a member of the Rhode Island’s Principal Committee from 1974-1980. And the Burrillville Drug Committee from 1968-1972. He is an original member of the Burrillville Gridiron Club.

He was a member of the American Legion for 68 years. He was a proud member of the Honor Flight and for almost forty years he has only missed two football playoffs and continued to collect tickets at home games.  He was honored to have the Burrillville Baseball Club House named after him.

His goal in life has always been to do his best for his family and give back to the town of Burrillville.

It is with George’s great hope that all of you will someday be able to pay it forward and give back to the town as well.

Arrangements are entrusted to Keene-Brown Funeral Home, 445 Greenville Road, North Smithfield, RI. Calling hours will be held on July 14,2022 from 4 -7:00 PM. Funeral will be held Friday July 15, 2022 at 8:30 from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial  at 10:00 Am in Our Lady of Good Help Church in Mapleville. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow in St. Theresa’s Cemetery, Nasonville.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of George can be made to the Burrillville Grid Iron Club, 195 Hill Rd., Harrisville, RI.02830 to support Burrillville High School Football.

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