William ‘Bill’ Ernest LaDuke, 88, lifelong resident of West Suffield, passed on January 21, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Hartford on November 26, 1935, son of the late E. William and Gertrude (Johnson) LaDuke. Bill graduated from Simsbury High School and was employed with Connecticut Light & Power Co. for 39 years as Windsor Locks Canal Operator and later in Operations Maintenance of multiple locations, before enjoying a long retirement.

Bill and Mabel raised their family on Congamond Lake and enjoyed many years in their RV, camping in Myrtle Beach and traveling to many other US locations. Bill, also known as 'Butch', could often be found helping family and friends with all kinds of construction projects, and if he wasn't helping he was supervising! The neighborhood knew him as ‘The Mayor’, always keeping tabs on everyone on the street. He was a Jeff Gordan NASCAR fan and rooted for the NY Giants, Boston Bruins and Boston Red Sox. He especially enjoyed holidays and special times with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 70 years, Mabel (Richey) LaDuke of West Suffield; four children Jeff LaDuke and wife Jill of West Suffield, Sandra Smith and husband Paul of Windsor Locks, Debbie LaDuke of Windsor Locks, and David LaDuke and wife Kim of Suffield; seven grandchildren Robert, Jennifer, John, Sean, Allison, Brooke, and Jon-Paul; eight great-grandchildren Malachi, Kingston, Channing, Brady, Gianna, Ella, Everett and Collins; one sister Marion Poisson of Enfield; numerous nieces and nephews, and special neighbors Clayton Cigal and Paula Larsen. He was predeceased by his sister Shirley Lancioni. Special thanks to Beacon Hospice for their care and services.

Calling Hours will be on Friday, January 26, at Heritage Funeral Home 1240 Mountain Road, West Suffield from 3:00-5:00 pm with a Funeral Home Service at 5:00 pm. Burial will take place in the spring at Over the Mountain Burial Grounds, Phelps Rd., West Suffield.

Memorial Donations may be made to: Suffield Community Aid, 450 South Street, Suffield, CT 06078. Online information & condolences please visit: www.SuffieldFuneralHome.com