DAVID B DUCHESNEAU

David B. Duchesneau, 66, of Leominster, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2024, at the Rose Monahan Hospice House, with his devoted partner Dena, and his siblings by his side, after a heroic battle with cholangiocarcinoma.

David was born in Leominster on December 18, 1957, and was a lifelong resident of Leominster. He was the son of the late Norman L Duchesneau and the late Dora M Duchesneau.

David was a graduate of Leominster Trade High School in 1976, and Sylvania Technical School in 1978. Dave worked in research and development at Wang Labs, Lowell, MA until it closed. Then, he worked various jobs in the trade industry, including auto mechanics, HVAC, framing, sheetrock, painting until his cardiac illness in 2004. In the remaining years of his life, he was a devoted caregiver to his mother, Dora, until her passing in 2022. He then was faced with cancer and had undergone numerous treatments including a recent experimental targeted therapy. Despite these health issues, David kept a positive outlook. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, auto racing and spending time with his friends and family. Dave had a gifted mechanical mind and repaired automobiles and other machinery for various friends and family at his private garage. Dave, known as Shane to his friends, was always there to help those in need. His dependability, kindness, trustworthiness, generosity, and love to all around him was always apparent. On October 22, 1984, David rescued a man trapped in a burning vehicle from death.  His valor was recognized with various awards from the City of Leominster and State of Massachusetts.

David is survived by his partner, Dena Shuffleton of Gardner, MA., Michael N Duchesneau and his wife Cathy of Northborough, MA, Ann M Grogan and her husband Ric of Leominster, MA, Linda M Plamondon of Stow, MA and Sheila M Sweenor and her husband Jeff of South Kingstown, RI. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, David is predeceased by his nephew David N Plamondon in 2011.

The family would like to thank Dr. David D’Nofrio and the Cardiac Transplant team at Tufts Medical Center, where he received a heart transplant 20 years ago this month. The family also thanks Dr. Andreas Varkaris and Dr. Haley Ellis at Massachusetts General Hospital, research doctors of cholangiocarcinoma. Most recently, the family is thankful and grateful to the Hospice team from VNA Care Network, especially his nurse, Andy, and the dedicated and compassionate staff of the Rose Monahan Hospice House, Worcester, MA.

Services will be on Saturday, July 20th at the Curley-Marchand Funeral Home, 80 West Street, Leominster, MA. A calling hour will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, followed by a Memorial Service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Whitmanville Cemetery, 231 South Ashburnham Road, Westminster, MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to the following: The David N. Plamondon Scholarship Fund, checks made to AWRSD, Oakmont Regional High School, 9 Oakmont Dr., Ashburnham, MA  01430 or to Tufts Medical Center at http://giving.tuftsmedicalcenter.org/give to the Cardiovascular Center or to The Rose Monahan Hospice House 10 Judith Rd. Worcester, MA. 01620.

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