Fr. Don Bosco Duquette, OFM Cap.

The Capuchin Franciscan Friars of the Province of St. Mary mourn the death of their brother Fr. Don Bosco Duquette, O.F.M. Cap. who passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024, in Yonkers, New York, at the age of 92.

John Duquette was born to John W. and Susan F. Hickey-Duquette in Pittsfield, MA, on April 29, 1932. He attended Craneville Elementary School, Dalton, MA [1938-45]; Dalton High School, Dalton, MA [1945-1947]; St. Joseph High School, Pittsfield, MA [1947-49] and Holy Cross College, Worcester, MA [1949-1953]. John served in the U.S. Army [1954-1957] and received an Honorable discharge [Specialist Second Class]. Before entering religious life, John Duquette worked as a landscaper during the summer months and as a credit manager for the Manchester Union Leader.

John entered the novitiate at St. Lawrence Friary, Milton, MA, receiving the name Don Bosco on August 31, 1959. He pronounced his first vows on September 1, 1960, and perpetual vows on September 1, 1963, at Mary Immaculate Friary, Garrison, NY. Father Don Bosco resided at St. Anthony Friary, Hudson, NH [1960-61], where he completed his philosophy requirements, and at Capuchin Theological Seminary, Garrison, NY [1961-1965] for his theological studies. He also studied at St. Paul’s University, Ottawa, Canada [1965-66], receiving his S.T.L. Father Don Bosco was ordained to the priesthood in Garrison, NY on November 28, 1964.

Father’s first assignment was working in the Catholic Information Society [1966], residing at St. John the Baptist Friary in New York City and [1966-1969] at St. Pius X Friary, Middletown, CT. For the next seven years, he served as the novice master at St. Lawrence Friary, Milton, MA [1969-1976].

Father was elected and served as Vicar Provincial Minister [1976-1981] and Provincial Minister [1981-1984], residing at St. Conrad Friary, White Plains, NY.

Father Don Bosco ministered as a Vicar/Parochial Assistant at Sacred Heart Parish, Yonkers, NY [1984-1987]; St. Pius X, Middletown, CT [1987-1993]; and St. Joseph, Portland, ME [1993-2010].

After retiring, he requested to return to St. Pius X, Middletown, CT, and as a senior friar, offered parochial assistance [2010-2014], novice director and supply ministry [2014-2019]. His challenging health issues led him to consider residing at St. Clare Friary [2019], our senior friar fraternity in Yonkers, NY, where he happily remained with his brothers until his death.

Fr. Don Bosco was survived by his sister, Kathleen Penna of Pittsfield, MA, his sister-in-law, Judith Duquette of Dalton, MA., and his nieces and nephews. He was fondly remembered by many parishioners, with whom he kept in contact, of Sacred Heart Parish, Yonkers, NY; St. Pius X Parish, Middletown, CT; and St. Joseph Parish, Portland, ME.

The wake will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at St. Clare Friary, 110 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, NY 10703. The funeral will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 110 Shonnard Place, Yonkers. In place of flowers, donations can be made to the Province of St. Mary in Memory of Fr. Don Bosco Duquette to support the continued good works of the Capuchin Franciscan friars. You can send your donations to the Capuchin Mission & Development Office, 110 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, NY 10703.