William "Billy" J. Duchaine

ALBURGH – William “Billy” J. Duchaine, age 62, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 7, 2022 after a courageous battle with lung cancer, surrounded by his family at his home in Alburgh.

He was born in St. Albans on May 12, 1959 to the late Russell “Bud” & Joyce (Blair) Duchaine.       

Bill married Noella on June 27, 1987. He was a heavy equipment operator, wearing a blue hard hat that caught her eye. Bill could do anything. He could operate any piece of heavy equipment with precision and perfection, which started with blocks on pedals so he could reach at a very young age. “If he could sit on it, he could run it.” He was a Vermont Certified Welder/Fabricator, he was a well-known local douser, he built his own garages and barn, and finally bought a wood-miser mill that turned into his true passion, he worked for the Town of Alburgh for 20 proud years and had a heart of gold. Bill was gifted in the garden, his ability to grow vegetables, fruit trees, and then harvesting and canning were favorite hobbies. He never missed sharing a morning toast and an evening ride with his trusty canine companion, Honda riding shotgun. Bill loved to fish in the Ice Fishing Derby’s and bass fishing with his son, Russell with a cold Genesee in hand, could cook a great meal and filet a Northern Pike like no one else, and loved to watch birds in the feeders, especially cardinals. You could find him relaxing most nights watching his favorite Westerns, Gunsmoke, The Rifleman, and the Tales of Wells Fargo. His generosity and willingness to help anyone will be missed by the Alburgh community and many other lives he touched!   

He is survived by his loving wife, Noella Duchaine of Alburgh; his children, Russell Duchaine, Jason Beaulac and his fiancée Cheryl Driver, and John Beaulac and his significant other Stephenie Blair all of Alburgh; grandchildren, Jasmon, Matthew, Khayleigh, Michael, Adam, Travis, Jonathan and Justin; one great grandchild, Griffin; beloved chocolate lab, Honda Lynn; siblings, Debbie Barcomb, Bruce Duchaine, Cathy Bohannon and her husband Gilbert; special sister-in-law, Madeleine James and her husband Rodney; uncle, David Duchaine and his wife Jan; special cousin, Danny “Duke” Duchaine; special friends, Jim Hokenberg, Robert Labombard, and John Plante; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his brother, Russell Duchaine; sister, Sandy Duchaine, and special cousin and friend, Larry “Baggy” Santor.  

Family and friends are invited to Bill’s Life Celebration events to include visitation on Saturday, March 12, 2022 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Goss Life Celebration Home, 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton, VT, with a funeral service to begin at 1:00 PM. Interment will take place in the spring.  

For those who wish, contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to Franklin County Animal Rescue, 30 Sunset Meadows, St Albans, VT 05478.

Bill’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Bayada, especially Jessica and Allison for the wonderful care they provided, and to Cathy and Jason for going above and beyond helping care for Billy.  

Goss Life Celebration Homes is the area’s exclusive provider of Life Celebration events. Please visit our website to share condolences, photos and favorite memories at www.gossfs.com