Obituary of Ralph J. DuChene

Oneida-Ralph J. DuChene, age 96, passed away on Tuesday, 2/16/2021. The last of the original DuChene family that moved to Oneida from Quebec, Canada in 1923, Ralph is predeceased by his Parents Emile (Frank) and Marie Barriault DuChene, sisters Amanda Blanchette, Annette Mercier, Fernande Bogel & Jeannine Scanlon and brothers Francois (Frank), Raynald, John (Jack) and Louis. A World War ll veteran, Ralph served in the Coast Guard in the Pacific and Atlantic theaters. In 1949 he married Hilda Griffiths of Kenwood Heights and began a family. Ralph worked as a butcher in the Grand Union at the head of Main St. in Oneida and eventually went to work for Foodland Corp. as head of meat and produce for Central N.Y. Following that he opened his own Foodland grocery store in Canastota. Ralph retired from the grocery business in 1984 and bought the Sherrill Laundromat which he expanded to include a hair salon and later an ice cream parlor and Ebeneezer's Cafe. He was a well known and respected part of the Sherrill community and could often be met on his frequent 4 mile walks around Kenwood Heights, Kenwood and Sherrill. Ralph is survived by his wife of 71 years, Hilda, his son Scott and Linda Bloyer DuChene of Walpole, NH, Evan and Kathy Ariglio DuChene of Verona, Randy and Donna Fifield DuChene of Camillus, grand daughters Laura DuChene, Jenna Kerwin, Kara DuChene, Kelsey DuChene and grand son Ian Slater DuChene as well as dozens of nieces and nephews. The Family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the wonderful folks at the Utica Rehabilitation & Nursing Center who looked after our father in these difficult times. Family and friends are invited to call on Friday February 19, 2021 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Malecki Funeral Home Inc., 464 Sherrill Rd., Sherrill, NY where face coverings and social distancing will be practiced. A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Ralph's life will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at __;__ at St. Helena's Church, 210 Primo Ave., Sherrill, NY with CDC requirements being practiced. Spring burial with military honors will be in St. Helena's Cemetery. Oneida, NY. Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com