Jean F. LaPrise

Well, folks, if you're reading this, that means I've shuffled off this mortal coil. Jean LaPrise here, but you can call me Duke - everyone else does. Born on a sunny day in Gardner, back in 1958, I've been a resident of Fitchburg, Massachusetts for a good chunk of my life. I've always been a bit of an ambitious and dedicated sort, which is probably why I ended up as a Corrections Officer for the Department of Corrections. Yes, I was the guy keeping the bad guys in check. As Mark Twain once said, "Humor is mankind's greatest blessing," and I always tried to keep things light, even in the toughest of times.

Now, don't get me wrong, I wasn't all work and no play. In fact, I was quite the funny guy, if I do say so myself. When I wasn't keeping the peace, I could be found revving up my motorcycle, cheering on a NASCAR race, partaking in all sorts of motor sports, trying to outwit fish, or aiming for bullseyes. As member of the American Legion, Gardner Fish and Gun Club, Otter River Sportman's Club, and the Blue Knights LEMC, I was quite the social butterfly. In fact, I even had my own supper club - nothing like good food and great company, am I right?

I leave behind a loving family, who meant the world to me. My wife, Monica, who's been my rock, my son Brian, and my step-sons Brian and Eric Gariepy, and step daughter Beth Susca and my siblings Celeste, Armand and his wife Debbie, and not to forget my nieces Keri and Abby. And let's not forget about the seven grandchildren who kept me on my toes. My parents, Armand and Cecile, are waiting for me on the other side.

I'll tell you this, it's been one heck of a ride. As the saying goes, "It's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." And trust me, I've packed a lot of life into my years.

Join my family and friends on February 9th at 2 PM for a good old fashioned send-off service at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon.

In the meantime, feel free to hop over to my memorial page and share your favorite Duke tales or upload those pictures you swore you'd never show anyone. Let's keep the laughter going. After all, life's too short not to have a good chuckle.