Armand "Duffy" J. Lagasse Jr.

1934-2014

Madison-Armand “Duffy” Joseph Lagasse Jr. born in Madison, passed away unexpectedly at his home late Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014. Duffy was born on March 23, 1934, son of Armand J. and Evelyn M. (Lambert) Lagasse Sr. Raised and educated in Skowhegan, Duffy left school at an early age to join the United States Navy, later returning to complete his education and earn his high school diploma. He married Carolyn A. Spooner on November 28, 1958 at Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church, settling in Madison where they raised their family.

Duffy was an ambitious hard worker, initially working at Norrwock Shoe before starting his 28 year career with Chinet, retiring in August 1996. After retirement he enjoyed daily coffee with the Hight’s Crew and traveling. Showing pride in driving his favorite black Chevy pickup often with Camper in tow, adventuring to Loudon Speedway for NASCAR and later having the pleasure of fulfilling his dream of meeting his long-time idol Dale Earnhardt Sr. Duffy loved being outside where he could often be seen riding on his John Deere Tractors, mowing and landscaping his lawn on Lakewood Road. Duffy is lovingly remembered as a man with a great sense of humor sharing a deep love for his family frequently quoting “Do as I say..Not as I do” and “ What part of NO don’t you understand.” His grandchildren had many names for their grandfather including, Ho-Ho, Grand-Pea, and Grampie Duff, Duffy had names of endearment for his children. “Popeye” was the special nickname that he gave his son Randy, Jody was “Slivah” and Theresa was affectionately called “Snappah”. Duffy enjoyed hosting “Shin digs” in the company of his large family and friends. Additionally, he was a huge fan of local and professional sports. Other favorite pastimes included listening to country music, collecting American themed and eagles mementos, an abundance of ball caps and working in his workshop creating fine woodworks.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn of Madison, his four children; Debra J. Dufour and husband John of Mapleton, Jody L. Dickey and husband Lonnie of Oakland, Armand “Randy” J. Lagasse III of Loveland, OH, and Theresa M. Kochis and partner, Kris “Henwy” Richards of West Gardiner, 7 grandchildren; Tasha L. Dufour and her partner Josh Fisher of Ashland, Megan L. Miklos and her husband Michael of Clinton, Lyndsay M. Dufour of Mapleton, Garrett L. Dickey and his fiancée Valeria Coreas of Newport, RI, Olivia Lagasse of Dayton, OH, Haileigh E. Kochis of Helena, MT, and MacKenzie E. Kochis of West Gardiner, 4 great grandchildren; Jaden J.P. MacDonald, Ryker S. Miklos, Nayelie and Payton Dickey, sisters, Audrey Wentworth and husband Royal, Corrine Thurston, Barbara West, Pauline Runnells, Janet Cassidy and husband Roland, Judy Ellis and husband Larry, brothers, Linwood Lagasse and wife Shirley, Eugene Lagasse and wife Patty, Donald Lagasse and wife Claudette,along with several sister and brother-in-laws, nieces and nephews, cousins and longtime friend Paul B. Kochis.

Duffy was predeceased by his parents, one grandson; Christian P. Kochis, two sisters; Brenda Malbon and Christine Lagasse, and one brother; Richard Lagasse.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Jan. 9, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church, Water St., Skowhegan, ME., with the Rev. Father John Mazzei officiating.

Donation may be made in Duffy’s memory to the American Diabetes Association-Memorial and Honor Program, 163 Lancaster St., Portland, ME 04101.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, ME 04976. www.smartandedwardsfh.com