Joseph Arthur Duquette Jr.

1949 - 2024

Joseph Arthur Duquette, Jr.

March 9, 1949 - August 7, 2024

Joseph Arthur Duquette, Jr., 75, of Union Hall, VA, and Charlottesville, VA, succumbed to brain cancer on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, in Charlottesville.

He was born March 9, 1949, in Fall River, MA, the son of the late Joseph Arthur Duquette, and Pauline Bernier Duquette Shurko.

Joe was a scholar, chaplain, yoga therapist and actor in live theater, movies, and television.

He is survived by his former wife, Juanita Lynne Wilson Duquette; best friend of 50 years Norman Zamcheck, NYC; and cousins, Pat Pasternak (Tom) and Carol Boulay of Fall River, Denise Datu; niece Emma (little Joe) Dori; nephew, Chase, Florida; and other cousins; brother, Robert Duquette (Marilyn) of Naples, FL; friends from Spiritual Direction Institute and Yogaville.

Joe was proud to be an actor and member of Actors' Equity, SAG/AFTRA, for over 35 years. He worked in Washington, DC, New York, LA, and regionally in Virginia. His early acting days included touring the country for Marvel portraying Spiderman and Batman for thousands of adoring fans. His career includes Beverly Hills Cop II, Fame, One Life To Live, and numerous other Soap Operas. Joe worked Off-Broadway, at the The Actors' Studio NY, St. Louis MUNY, Goodspeed Opera House, Heritage Repertory Theatre, Ash Lawn Opera Company, Odyssey Theatre LA, and The Lawrence Welk Village Theatre. A highlight of his acting career was portraying Joseph Stalin the Washington, DC live production of "The Collaborators" (Spooky Action Theater) which received rave reviews in the Washington Post.

He held a degree in Business Information Systems from U. Mass Dartmouth, a Master's degree in pastoral counseling from Tulane U - New Orleans, and was a hospital chaplain at University of Virginia. Combining his spiritual quest including a search towards a monastic life, with his desire to care for others, he completed an 800 hour course to become a Certified Yoga Therapist. His spiritual wisdom and kindness made him beloved among fellow students at Virginia's Yogaville and was lovingly known as "Vishnu."

Joe was all about caring. He wanted to spread peace, love, joy and be of service to others. There is a scholarship set up in his honor for Yoga Arthritis Therapists. For information or to donate: https://www.arthritis.yoga/vishnu-scholarship.

Joe was buried in a natural setting, August 17, 2024, at Cool Spring Natural Cemetery-Holy Cross Abbey, Berryville, VA with Father James (Joe's spiritual director) officiating.

There will be a Celebration of Life service held at Yogaville for ashram residents and by Zoom for all friends and relatives on Saturday, November 16, 2024, 11 a.m. More information and the Zoom link may be found at Caringbridge.org under the name Joe Duquette-Vishnu.