CARTHAGE, NY – Francis Michael LaDuc, 96, of West Street and formerly of Harrisville, passed away on Tuesday morning, April 21, 2020, at his home.
Francis was born Dec. 13, 1923, in Lowville, NY, a son of the late Philias and Charlotte (Gazin) LaDuc.
In 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the first 10th Mountain Division during World War II. During this time he earned several medals, including a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged as staff sergeant in December of 1945.
He earned an associate’s degree from SUNY ESF Ranger School and went on to work for the Virginia State Forest Service for a time. Later, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.
He was employed as a Professional Forester for the St. Regis Paper Co. in Deferiet, retiring after 34 ½ years as a Land Development Manager of the Northeast Region.
On Oct. 23, 1954, he married Joanne Murphy.
Francis was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golf.
Survivors include his wife of over 65 years, Joanne; four children, Shelah LaDuc of Carthage; Margaret (Tom) Mourey of Rochester; Michael Francis LaDuc of Watertown; and Peter LaDuc of New Milford, New Jersey; four siblings, Mary Bond of Harrisville; Stephen LaDuc of Harrisville; Clyde (Jean) LaDuc of Harrisville; and Anne Safe of Angola, New York; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by four siblings, Carroll, Dennis, Frederick and Phyllis.
A funeral Mass will be said privately by the family at St. James Catholic Church in Carthage with Father Donald Robinson officiating. Burial will follow in St. Francis Solanus Catholic Cemetery in Harrisville.
Arrangements are with Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc.
Online condolences may be made at www.lundyfuneralhome.com.