Obituary of Ernest J. Ducharme

Ernest J. Ducharme, 92, of Manor Drive, died Sunday, September 9, 2012 at his home, surrounded by his loving children. During his brief illness, he was cared for by his children along with the grateful assistance of Hospice of the North Country. Ernest was born in Coopersville on August 6, 1920, the son of Edmund and Albertine (LaFountaine) Ducharme. Ernest married Theresa (Bechard) on December 26, 1945 at St. Joseph's Church in Coopersville, NY. Theresa, who Ernest lovingly called "Pet", led the way to Heaven on September 26, 2010. Ernest was part of "The Greatest Generation", answering the government's call for service men during the Second World War, serving from 1943-1945. Ernest was a Ball Turret Gunner, flying 32 missions while assigned to the 15th Air Force, B-24 Liberator Bomber, 456th Bomb Group, 745th Bomb Squadron while stationed in Cerignola, Italy. The story of the B-24/B-25 bombers was documented in the book, "The Wild Blue." by Stephen Ambrose. Ernest retired from Ayerst Laboratories as a Supervisor in Material Management in August of 1982. While Ernest was a man of many talents and interests, he considered raising his 6 children with his wife to be the most important. He was an avid vegetable gardener and enjoyed square dancing with his best dance partner, Theresa. Ernest also enjoyed trips to the casino with his children. Survivors include his children, daughter Veronica (Kenneth) Dupere of Coopersville; daughter Gloria (Lawrence) Fadden of Swanton, VT; son Bruce of Las Vegas; "adopted" son, Cornell Rowbotham of Las Vegas; daughter Diane (Robert) Bushey of Plattsburgh; son Wayne (and his fiancee Mary Bulriss) of Plattsburgh; and son Brian (and his fiancee Jessica Sylvestre) of Highgate, Vt. Ernest is survived by 10 grandchildren: Michele (Dennis) Durocher of Morrisonville; Sonya Royce and Sheri Fadden of Swanton, Vt.; Vicki (Cris) Babbie of Champlain; Christopher and Patrick Bushey of Plattsburgh; Ryan (Valerie) Ducharme of Gilbert, AZ; Erin (Casey) Brennan of Plattsburgh; Stephanie (Tom) Koldys of Swanton, VT; Joseph (Nicole) Ducharme of San Antonio, TX; and 16 great-granchildren Olivia and Taylor Durocher; Angela and Shaun Royce; Justin and Riley Fadden-Duprey; Owen, Alise and Sierra Babbie; and Owen, Brayden, Carter, Kassen and Eian Brennan; Charlotte Koldys and Brighton Ducharme.; and many, many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Ernest is also survived by his sisters: Alice Glode of Plattsburgh, Sister Bernadette Ducharme (Daughters of St. Louis) of Plattsburgh and Virginia (Robert) DeGray of Plattsburgh; sister-in-law Rose Ducharme of West Chazy and Eleanor Ducharme of Stewartstown, PA. He was predeceased by his wife Theresa R. (Bechard) Ducharme; his parents Edmund and Albertine; infant sister, Rose Marie; brothers, Richard and Bernard Ducharme and sister Pauline Louie. After the passing of his wife, Ernest relocated to the Rouses Point Senior Housing on Manor Drive. During his brief two years there, he developed many friends in this close-knit community. Many of the residents will miss Ernie because of his friendly and engaging personality and his old-fashioned gentlemanly behavior. He will especially be missed by the group of evening card players. Arrangements have been entrusted to Clark Funeral Home, 148 Lake Street, Rouses Point, NY. Calling hours will be between the hours of 4 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 13 at St. Patrick's Church, 138 Lake St., Rouses Point, NY. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Coopersville, NY. Donations may be made to Hospice of The North Country, the Rouses Point Fire Rescue Squad or the charity of your choice in Ernest's memory. Pall bearers will be grand-children Christopher and Patrick Bushey, Joseph Ducharme; great-grandchild Justin Fadden-Duprey; and grandsons-in-law, Dennis Durocher and Casey Brennan. To share a thought and to light a virtual candle in memory of Ernest, please visit the family's guestbook, online, at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com.