Clement Dugre

Clement R. “Charlie” Dugre, 95, of Chicopee, passed away on Saturday, November 14, 2020 surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born at home on McKinstry Avenue in Chicopee on July 10, 1925, son of the late Lucien and Pearl (Larocque) Dugre. He was raised in, educated, and a lifelong resident of Chicopee. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II attaining the rank of Gunner’s Mate Third Class. He received the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal, the American Theatre Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. In 1948, Charlie started what would become the longest running family-owned restaurant still in operation in the city of Chicopee - the “Lucky Strike Restaurant”. He and his family owned and operated this establishment for over 70 years. He worked tirelessly to build the business that was known for good food, fast service, and great conversation. He continued working well into his eighties. Asked when he was going to retire, he would always respond “they turned me down, I’m too young”. You have got to love a guy like that! He was passionate about his work and greatly appreciated everyone who patronized his pride and joy – the Lucky Strike Restaurant. His family would like to thank all the employees over the years who were so instrumental in the success of this restaurant. In his later years, he took up woodworking and was happy to build you a desk, chair, or whatever, as long as he could talk you into doing it his way! Above all, he loved life, family, and friends. We have all lost a great man. He was a communicant of Sainte Rose de Lima Church in Aldenville, a charter member of the Chicopee Lodge of Elks, a member of the American Legion Post 337, and a former Director of the Alden Credit Union. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Claire J. (Fontaine) Dugre. They were married on May 13, 1950 at Sainte Rose de Lima Church in Chicopee and were blessed with over 67 years of happiness together. He leaves his three loving children, Michele M. Roy of West Suffield, CT, Marc S. Dugre and his wife, Nancy, of Chicopee and Michael A. Dugre and his wife, Cheryl, of Holyoke; his 11 grandchildren; his 14 great-grandchildren; his sister, Rita Brougham of Belchertown; his two brothers-in-law, Leonard Fontaine of Chicopee and Edward Fontaine of Connecticut; his sister-in-law, Pauline Bourque of Chicopee; and his many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and extended members of the Dugre and Fontaine families. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his son-in-law, Armand M. “Bud” Roy and his two brothers, George and Leo Dugre. His Funeral will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2020 beginning at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020, (funeral home will open at 9 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Sainte Rose de Lima Church, 600 Grattan Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His Burial with United States Navy Military Honors will follow the Mass at Sainte Rose Cemetery, 49 Olsen Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The parking lot and main entrance are in the rear of the funeral home at 20 Lafayette Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to Saint Joan of Arc School, 587 Grattan Street, Chicopee, MA 01020 or to Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen and Pantry, 170 Pendexter Avenue, Chicopee, MA 01013. (Please note that masks are required, social distancing must be observed at the funeral home, church and cemetery and capacity is limited due to state regulations). For more details and to leave his family online condolences, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com