Norton "Duke" J. Dupaquier Jr.

It is with sadness, we share the passing of Norton “Duke” J. Dupaquier, Jr. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the age of 69. He was born in New Orleans on September 1, 1955, and went on to graduate from Jesuit High School. He went on to enter the car dealership business, eventually becoming a general sales manager.

Through the years, Duke worked through every pain, hardship and challenge after sustaining a traumatic brain injury from a car accident on December 23, 1982. He was a fighter and never gave up, relearning how to do everything we take for granted including going back to college and obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of New Orleans. His laughter and wit were contagious… always believing there were brighter days ahead, especially with his Drill Sergeant (Donnalee) at his side. Life threw him another curveball with gallbladder cancer. But in true Duke form, he dealt with it believing that nothing else mattered beyond the simple things in life and the love of his family and friends.

So, Duke, as you listen to Led Zeppelin, climb that “Stairway to Heaven” with a Michelob Ultra in one hand and a cigar in the other.

LOVE NEVER DIES.

Duke is survived by his wife and best friend of 50 years, Donnalee DiGiovanni Dupaquier; son, Jared N. Dupaquier; sister, Vanessa Adams (Te-Cye); brothers, Mark Dupaquier (Nancy) and Louis Dupaquier (Vikki); grandson, Marc-Elliott Dupaquier; brother-in-law, Don DiGiovanni, Jr. (Ann); and godchildren, Destiny Cooper and Taylor Gifford.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlesa and Norton Dupaquier, Sr. and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Leatrice and Donald DiGiovanni, Sr.

Much appreciation to his friends and instructors at East Jefferson Wellness Center, who were always there to come to his aid when needed.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. “Ram” Ramcharan Thiagarajan; Jennifer and the staff of Heart of Hospice; and Tiffany with Nola at Home Care.