DUBUC, Laurence S.
Laurence S. Dubuc, of The Villages, FL and formerly of Avon, CT, passed away Thursday, (May 16, 2013). Larry "Coach" was 92 and was in failing health. He led a full life and touched many people along the way. Coach was raised in Danielson, CT. In his youth, he climbed to the Boy Scout, rank of "Eagle". During the depression, he worked for the Attawaugana Textile Mill to help support his family. He joined the Army in 1943 and upon completing his World War II military service as Sergeant he enrolled at the University of Connecticut where he earned his degree in Education. At UCONN, he was a member of the 1948 NCAA Division 1 Men's Champion Soccer Team. He spent 32 years in the Canton, CT school system, first as Physical Education Teacher, then as Coach for Canton High School's Varsity football, soccer, golf and basketball programs. He retired in 1980 as Athletic Director. Larry was enshrined in the Connecticut High School Coaches Hall of Fame in as "Coach of the Year" in 1974. Larry was an avid fan and season ticket holder for the UCONN basketball Women Huskies. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley (Ponte) Dubuc; a son, Donald Dubuc of Westfield, ME; a daughter, Terri Trainor and her husband Jack Trainor of The Villages, FL and grandsons, Timothy Trainor of Seattle, WA and Tony Dubuc of Bridgewater, ME.
Friends may call at the Vincent Funeral Home, 120 Albany Turnpike in Canton, CT on Friday, May 24 from 5-7 p.m. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m. at the Church of St. Ann, 289 Arch Road in Avon, CT. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Ann's Cemetery, Avon, CT. Memorial donations may be made to Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, 445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778. Please visit Larry's "Book of Memories" at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Andy White
May 27, 2013
COACH, Sorry to hear that you left us. You will always be THE COACH, and will be missed by those who knew you. C.H.S. 53
May 24, 2013
One of the Greats Brigitte Seamans
Dottie Graham
May 24, 2013
A most beloved colleage and coach - one of the finest gentleman I ever knew. May your memory be eternal.
May 23, 2013
Coach, coach coach...one of the finest and most dignified men I ever knew and a magnificent coach who knew the difference between games and real life. Thank you for being such an influence on so many of us. Mark Diters
Don and Sophie Sopelak
May 22, 2013
Our heartfelt sympathy goes to Shirley, Terri and Don on the loss of their very much loved Larry!
Ronny Kaye
May 21, 2013
Coach leading us to the 1973 Class S State Championship in soccer is still in my top ten favorite life episodes. When you saw Coach on the sideline in his white overcoat and beret, stoic, calculating, all-knowing--you knew you had the best coach and the best team that day. Last time I saw Coach was at my father's service in 2004. When he got to me in line, Coach shook my hand and said, "Do you remember the Housatonic game your senior year?" and I said, "Yep. I missed two penalty kicks." right now I see that sly grin on his face as he over on. If ever there was anyone who knew how to "separate the men from the boyce," it was Coach Dubuc.
Phillip Dorvel
May 21, 2013
Coach Dubuc. You were always fair. A fine teacher and coach. It was my privilege to know you.
May 21, 2013
So sorry to hear of Coaches passing not only was he a coach but also a friend all thru HS
Robert Roy Lillian Al.(55)
May 21, 2013
So sorry to hear about coach s passing. As with many he was a mentor in my youth.
Pete Bussolini Los Alamos NM
emily benson
May 20, 2013
So sad to read the passing of our Canton High School Coach! He always had a smile. You are in my Prayers.
leslie nathan
May 20, 2013
A lifetime of fond memories-a friend and mentor who taught me the fundamentals of sports much of which I have passed on to my children and grandchildren. My condolences to his family
Jack Blanchard
May 20, 2013
Coach Dubuc was a solid influence on all of us as we found our way through the terrible teens. He was a life-model for all of us, not just the "jocks." He remains a cornerstone of my memories of Canton High
Roger Carlson
May 20, 2013
Shirley,Donny, and Terry
I'm so sorry to hear about Larry's passing. I talked with George Sottile this spring and he said that Larry was in poor health. I have such fond memories of our families camping together. Who will ever forget our trip to Southport Maine and camping on the Sottiles land. Larry was not only a coach to his students he was a great coach to this first year teacher in 1959. May he rest in peace.
Roger Carlson
Sister Paula Despathy
May 20, 2013
a very special uncle whose love and caring support have followed me all through my life - May Gos welcome this good man home and comfort his wife, Aunt Shirley, and all his family.
David Keefe
May 19, 2013
Dear Terri, Donny and Shirley, Just last Sunday, Mom and I were talking about you and your family, and she asked about Coach.. when I saw this, my heart broke, some of my favorite memories as a child involve Coach and your family... He was a Great man, and a Good man, he set the example for many people by just being himself. May GOD give you and your family peace and rest
Russell Anderson
May 19, 2013
Coach Dubuc was a great role model. I know of no teacher/coach who was more highly respected by the kids. He was a positive influence on everyone, certainly on me.
May 19, 2013
So sorry to hear about Coach passing away . You both were my Teachers even before you were married. Bernie McGee Gold Boca raton Florida
Margaret Hudon Stenberg
May 19, 2013
We live in Maine now, but I have fond memories of both Shirley and Larry Dubuc. He was a kind teacher and coach.
Carol Soucy Caldeiura
May 19, 2013
Back in thge '50s, our teachers were our friends. Thanks, Coach, and thank you, Shirley. We appreciate all you did for us.
Tom McMullen
May 19, 2013
"If you're gonna do it - learn to do it right" Words from the man who coached me and thousands of others at Canton High School. When I hear the word "coach" I'll always think of him.
God speed.
Carleen Kirkwood
May 19, 2013
Fond memories of "Coach" at Canton High School as well as his lovely wife Shirley. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
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Funeral services provided by:
Vincent Funeral Homes - Canton120 Albany Turnpike, Canton, CT 06019-2506

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