Harry Duel Sr.

[ Originally published on: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 ]

ORANGE -- Harry Duel Sr., 91, formerly of 50 Red Brook Lane, died Sunday evening, October 11, 2009 at the Quabbin Valley Healthcare in Athol, following an illness.

Born on July 22, 1918 in Salem, New York, he was a son of Fred and Mary (Robbins) Duel and grew up in New York before moving to Massachusetts in 1945.

Harry was married to Thelma V. (Moon) in August of 1964, and they have enjoyed their 45 years together.

A veteran of World War II, Harry enlisted into the United States Army on March 14, 1941 and served proudly with the Army Medical Corps 1840th Detachment until his honorable discharge on October 1, 1945. He served in the Panama Canal Zone and also was stationed in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Harry received the American Defense Service ribbon, Good Conduct medal, American Service ribbon, and a WW II Victory medal.

Proud of his military service, Harry was the resident Commander at Quabbin Valley Healthcare in Athol and was constantly supporting causes for the veterans at the facility including celebrating Veteran's Day, Memorial Day, and raffles to raise money to help the American Legion and Auxiliary co-sponsor delegates to the Massachusetts Boys and Girls State conventions. Harry was honored with a plaque for his countless hours of dedication to the veterans at Quabbin Valley.

Employed as a grinder at Harris Manufacturing Company in Orange, Harry retired after 35 years. He previously had worked at the former Orange Foundry.

Harry was a member of American Legion Post #172 in Orange, the Athol American Legion Post #102, a former member of the Tully City Council Club in Orange and enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Thelma Duel of Orange; a son, Harry Duel Jr., of Athol; daughters, Lois Duel of Orange and Jean Dzeima of Athol; step daughters, Joan Baranoski and Darlene Rush, both of Orange; step sons, Joseph Dzeima of Orange, Walter Dzeima of California, and Calvin Kenney of Greenfield; 20 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; and 3 great, great grandchildren.

Harry was predeceased by a daughter, Joan Mason, a step daughter, Antoinette Maynard, and a step son, Monty Kenney.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday afternoon, October 18, 2009 from 1-3:00 p.m., at Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

Funeral services and interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Orange American Legion Post #172, P.O. Box 172, Orange, MA 01364.

Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arrangements.

Guest book and directions are available online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com.

 

---