Bernard R. "Bernie" Duclos

1924 - 2015

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Bernard R. Duclos, 91, of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., died unexpectedly at home Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015.

He was born the son of the late Theodore and Edith Duclos on Dec. 19, 1924, in Watertown, N.Y. He grew up in Watertown and after graduating high school he was accepted into the University of Notre Dame where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1948. He worked as a Mechanical Engineer on Railroad Equipment and also on Aircraft Control Systems in which the first commercial aircraft, the Boeing 707, was the main project.

Bernard started his teaching career as a Professor of Engineering at the University of Buffalo in Buffalo, N.Y. and also at the Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, N.Y. He was appointed the position of Chairman of the Mechanical Engineering Department at The New Hampshire Technical Institute (NHTI) in Concord in 1965 and taught at the institute until his retirement in 1987. He was known as "Duke" by many of his students. During this time he also received his Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y. Bernard extended his knowledge of technology in his radio show called "Tech Talks" at the local radio station WKXL in Concord for many years. At his retirement he was awarded "with honor" a Professor Emeritus Award.

He married his loving wife Anne (Peacock) in 1951 and they had five children. Bernard and his wife moved to New Smyrna Beach after retiring and was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church , a school board member and volunteer for the Sacred Heart School. He also delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. He loved playing golf every day. He also liked playing bridge, studying history and watching his alma mater Notre Dame football games.

His greatest joy was being married to his wife Anne for 63 years and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to whom he was known as " Papa".

He was predeceased by his wife, Anne who died in March 2015 and his brother, Glendon Duclos.

Survivors include three daughters, Michele (Kevin) Karg of Bluffton, S.C., Mary (Louis) Schoolcraft of Barre, Mass. and Bernadette (David) Kinnier of Concord; two sons, Theodore (Susan) Duclos of Heidelberg, Germany and Steven (Mary) Duclos of Clifton Park, N.Y.; 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held April 23, (time to be determined) at St. John's the Evangelist Church in Concord.

Internment will be at Blossom Hill Cemetery in Concord.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Anne Duclos may be made to the Brain Research Development Fund , Account # 770809, c/o University of Miami Brain Bank, 1951 Seventh Ave., Suite 240, Miami, Fl. 33136.