Search by Name
Search by Name
NORTHAMPTON – After a courageous five year battle with cancer, The Trash King of Hampshire County, Armand (Buddy) Duseau, Jr., died on Nov. 7, 2012, in his home on Rockland Heights Road, surrounded by his family.
He was born Feb. 21, 1935, in Northampton to Lillian (Bellunduno) and Armand Duseau, Sr., and lived there his entire life.
He attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and graduated from Northampton High School in 1954, where he starred on the 1953 Championship football team under legendary coach Edward Buckley, his first mentor and hero.
Buddy enlisted in the Army National Guard while still in high school, graduated from the Massachusetts Military Academy in 1955 as a Second Lieutenant and served his enlistment as a Squad Leader in the 104th Massachusetts Infantry.
In 1957, he married Nancy Parker, his high school sweetheart and Northampton High's Head Majorette, with whom he shared a 55 year union of romance, mutual devotion and communal pride.
Throughout his youth, Bud worked in the family trash collection business, Duseau Trucking. When his parents decided to retire, Buddy and two high school friends, Steve Cahillane and Bill Woods, bought Duseau Trucking and created Calduwood, the dominant trash collection business of Hampshire County for over 20 years. Calduwood built and operated the first landfill in New England on Glendale Road in Northampton and the first transfer station at the DPW barns on Locust Street. It also developed the Silk Mill complex in Florence. Buddy was the driving force in the building of 17 transfer stations in the Pioneer Valley.
When his friends pursued other professional interests, Buddy worked in the trash collection and recycling business 65 years from 1947 to 2012. He was a pioneer in finding ways to reuse and recycle discarded material and made "Zero Waste" his mantra and his goal. He sponsored and invested in many projects and experiments to turn trash into fuel and insisted it was doable. "What can be conceptualized can be accomplished," he always insisted.
Buddy and Nancy Duseau were active in numerous civic endeavors and local charitable programs. Youth sports, The Cooley Dickinson Hospital, The Red Cross, and the schools in Northampton, Hatfield and Easthampton benefitted from Bud's largess. Buddy was active in the Jaycees, Friends of Northampton Football, and the Chamber of Commerce, of which he was one time president. He was particularly proud of his participation in the effort to build the Northampton Parking Garage and his service on Governor Michael Dukakis's Task Force on Waste Management where he helped shape public policy on environmental issues.
In Bud's leisure, he enjoyed family events and shared adventures with his children and grandchildren, particularly at the Duseau Lodge on Lake Sunapee, N.H., where his annual 4th of July celebration provided food, fun and fireworks for hundreds.
He was a voracious reader of biographies, history and scientific journals and often expressed his disdain for fiction. "Facts," he'd stress, "I'm only interested in facts." Bud loved diners and was a regular and a favorite of the wait staff at Miss Flo's, Kathy's, Look and the Bluebonnet.
Besides his wife, Buddy leaves his daughters and sons-in-law, Beth and Todd Rossi of South Deerfield and Pam and Richard Carnall of Hatfield; his sons and daughters-in-law, Dave and Mary Duseau of Hatfield and Paul and Renee Duseau of Conway; as well as his ten grandchildren, Grace and Sofia Rossi, Sam and Ali Carnall, Danielle, Isabelle, Douglas, Lexie, Beckie and Brie Duseau. He also leaves his siblings, Doraleen McArthur, Roberta Harrington and Richard and Michael Duseau; as well as many nephews, nieces and cousins who saw Buddy as the wise and generous family patriarch.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday at the Czelusniak Funeral Home of Northampton from 1 to 5 p.m. The family invites you to join them on Monday at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church, School St., Hatfield, to celebrate the Liturgy of Christian burial for Buddy. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Northampton.
Donations in Buddy's memory may be made to the Cancer Care Center at Cooley Dickinson, c/o Cooley Dickinson Hospital Development Office, 30 Locust St., P.O. Box 329, Northampton, MA 01061-0329.
To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Nancy, David, and the rest of the Duseau's,
I am so sorry to learn of Buddy's passing! (just returned from several warm weeks in the Tucson area.) We loved debating each other, from his time on the board of VINS to those evening moments he brought your dinner, Nancy, to your Planning Board breaks! His style and love of people were unforgettable, and Northampton has lost one of its best sons. I'm so sad for you and for all of us.
Mary Ford, northampton
November 30, 2012
Nancy, my sympathy goes out to you and your family over the loss of the love of your life and best friend. It has been years since I have seen you both, but still hold memories running back to the 60's and the beginning of Calduwood. You and Buddy were quite a team! God Bless, Shirley Puchalski, Jersey Shore
November 18, 2012
Beth, Todd, Gracie and Phia,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We keep you in our thoughts and prayers, and may God grant you peace.
Kristi Baranoski
November 15, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Buddy's passing. Buddy was one of the dearest and kind gentleman I ever met. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Sylvia (Dash) Hammerberg
November 14, 2012
Dear Nancy and Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for you. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Willa Fasten
November 12, 2012
Dearest Nancy and Family,
What wonderful memories Roger and I have from our vacation at Sunapee, we will cherish them forever. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Suzanne Welling & Roger Siegel
Suzanne Welling
November 12, 2012
Sincerest Condolences from your friendly competitors at Alternative Recycling Systems.
Patrick Kennedy & Staff
November 12, 2012
What an amazing man and life! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
David and Lisa McCutcheon
November 11, 2012
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Bonnie Baker Paddock
November 11, 2012
our deepest symphthy goes out to your whole family in this time os sorrow he will be greatly missed.
terry & georgia truden
November 11, 2012
Nancy and family,
We were sorry to hear of Buddie's passing ! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Joe and AnnMarie Quinlivan
Ocala, FL
Ann Marie and Joe Quinlivan
November 10, 2012
Always upbeat. A great guy!!
gordon daniels
November 10, 2012
Nancy I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts, prayers and sympathy are with you and your family. I will truly miss Buddy and smile when I think of him. What a wonderful, kind and generous man he was.
Judy LaCroix
November 10, 2012
Nancy -- Reading of dear Buddy's passing brought back floods of memories of "the house" on Brewster Court! -- We were all so young & in love and started our families together. Prayers go out to you and the family -- Sky & Martha White
November 10, 2012
You were one of a kind Buddy. One of the kindest persons to walk this earth. God Bless and rest in peace my friend,
Nancy & Bernie Bachand
November 10, 2012
You were one of a kind Buddy-Your friendly smile and generosity will be remembered by all. God Bless, and rest in peace my friend. Nancy & Bernie Bachand
November 10, 2012
Dearest Nancy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will always remember how Buddy took care of our Mom after our Dad died. I still remember how Mom used to stand in the front hall and scold him for clomping down the stairs when he came to see you and how apologetic he was. It is a fond memory of him. He will be missed by all he had contact with. We are sure he is in a better place and taking care of all the older ladies in his life.
Love,
Carol & Dick
Dick & Carol Frost
November 9, 2012
Nancy, long before you met and fell in love with Buddy, you and I played Jacks together on your front porch. Even still before you two met I baby sat for your in-laws. Buddy worked with his Dad and it was then when my parents also knew your in-laws. We go way back, but I will never forget what good people the Duseau family are. I know you and your children are proud to carry on their legacy. I'm so sorry for your loss and may God keep you and yours in His care.
Lucy Marhefka
November 9, 2012
So very sorry to hear about Buddy! He took such good care of everyone, including my Mom, I will be forever grateful.We've had such a long relationship, Bud, Nancy and all us Frosts. I never got such good hugs as from Buddy. We will miss him.
love to all of you Jacki Frost
Jacki Frost
November 9, 2012
I knew the whole family (Sr, Mom, Buddy, Roberta, and Richard) while growing up and living on South Street. My deepest sympathies and condolences.
Robert (Bob) Kozash
November 9, 2012
Nancy, I was so sorry to hear about Buddy. Please know that I will always cherish the generosity, friendship, and fun times you and Buddy shared with us at Sunapee. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Connie
Connie Shea
November 9, 2012
My deepest Sympathy, Nancy and family. Buddy fought a long hard battle in the last 5 years. His Love for Nancy is so very beautiful. I will surely miss Buddy and all the compliments he gave. I saw a smile on his face when I said Good-bye and that's a gift I will keep forever! Thank you Buddy, for being YOU!!
Ellen Wolcott
November 9, 2012
I have fond memories of my time with Buddy, we commute to UMASS in1955 and good timews,Iplayed basketball for his Nat Guard team, and one winter during school break we picked up trash cans in Hamp what fun!! Nancy , Lucy and Bernie have fond memories of both of you,, remember the good times!!!
Lucy and Bernie Goclowski
November 9, 2012
Buddy and Bernie go back to 1955 we commuted together to UMASS, played for Nat Guard basketball with Buddy and picked up trash cans in Hamp during school break, many fond memories of Buddy and Nancy from some good old friends...
Bernie and Lucy Goclowski
November 9, 2012
I only had a short time to speak with you face to face but that 40 minutes I will never forget. Your stories of your family, business, your accomplishments and experiences are truelly remarkable. We have all lost a role model with true american values. May you rest in peace, and may your family find comfort in the wonderful memories they have.
Sarah Osetek
November 9, 2012
For Nancy and family,
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss Buddy very much.
Cindy Bocash
November 9, 2012
Adrian Vanasse
November 9, 2012
Nancy, I was so saddened to hear you lost Buddy. Losing my husband Carl in Aug., I know what you are going through and sympathize with you. It was nice to see you at the dinner last month. God Bless you. Lucille Celatka Flossic, Pittsfield
November 9, 2012
He spread joy whereever he went and it always lingered after he left the room. That was my one of a kind brother Bud. He taught me how to enjoy life and work hard while doing it. For that I am eternally grateful.
roberta harrington
November 9, 2012
Pete and I are saddened to hear of Buddy's passing, our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this most difficult time.
Pete & Barbara Bak
November 9, 2012
I just read or your loss on the web and would like to offer my sincere sympathy. Buddy was quite a guy and friend of Carl's (who died in 2006). Your fond memories will help you through these times. Prayerfully,
Mary Dolores Rivotto, Cape Elizabeth, ME
November 9, 2012
Sad news..We wish time spent with those we love could last forever and in our hearts it will. With sympathy in your loss
Joe and Pat Osip
November 9, 2012
Buddy was one of the most generous, nicest men that we have had the honor of knowing. We can truly say that some of our fondest memories at the lake are because of Buddy. Our deepest sympathy and condolences.
The Morneau's
November 9, 2012
Buddy was a most generous and caring man. His legacy of love and "doing the right thing" lives on. Our deep sympathy to his family.
Nancy & Jerry Bouthilette
November 9, 2012
I worked with Buddy for fourty-two years and you will not find a better person. He was always conserned about me and my family. He will be missed.
Greg Hurlburt
November 9, 2012
Such a gentlemen! Always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone...he lightened up a room! My thoughts and prayers are with the Duseau family. Eileen Dostal (Hatfield, MA)
Eileen Dostal
November 9, 2012
What a great Guy. R.I.P. Byddy
Bob Lawson
November 9, 2012
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Deborah Thouin
November 9, 2012
We were so fortunate to have Buddy as our next door neighbor and dear friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Duseau Family and their Friends. We love you Buddy! Always did - always will!
Janel Jorda
November 9, 2012
Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more