Frederick Joseph Duperon

Sunrise: December 14, 1949
Sunset: May 9, 2025
Frederick Joseph Duperon Jr. (Ricky), age 75, passed away surrounded by family on Friday, May 9, leaving behind a trail of memories filled with laughter, love, and decades of stories.
On December 14, 1949, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Frederick and Thelma Duperon celebrated the birth of their first child, a son named Frederick Junior, who would later become the beloved older brother to three sisters. In 1969, he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps in San Diego, California. Never having remarried or had children, Ricky nonetheless poured his love and energy into being the fun-loving Best Uncle Ever. With open arms and a big heart, he became a cherished figure in the lives of his nieces and nephews, who were blessed with his endless affection, unconditional love, and unforgettable memories including summer camping adventures in Northern Michigan, shoveling the driveway in the winter to play basketball, countless card game nights, sleepovers, sitting on the garage to watch fireworks, many bike rides around Ypsi, and standing in long lines at Meijer just so he could tell his favorite cashiers "hello."
A true hippie at heart, Ricky found joy in the simple things: starry nights under a tent, sitting around a fire, and the peace that comes from being surrounded by nature. He was always ready with a backpack, a bike, and any kind of card game - as long as he could play his music.
After his service in the Marines, Ricky held various jobs, including at Ford. However, many will fondly remember seeing him at Savewell on Holmes Road, where he dedicated many years. A devoted Michigan sports enthusiast, Ricky passionately cheered for the Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Tigers, Red Wings and Pistons, and held unwavering hope for a Detroit Lions Super Bowl appearance, despite years of disappointment. He never lost faith in his teams.
From his diagnosis in 1995, Ricky bravely fought a long and valiant battle against cancer for over 30 years, facing significant hardships, including a total laryngectomy that took away his voice and the ability to eat. Yet, he never allowed his challenges to hinder his generous and helpful nature. Many fondly recall countless stories shared not through his voice but through his handwritten notebooks, which later blossomed into a love for typing and connecting with long-lost family on social media. Through it all, Ricky remained a constant source of love and support in everyone's lives. His deep faith provided constant strength, often remarking, "after this long, me and God have a good thing going on." He shared this faith with his family, including teaching one of his youngest and dearest great-nephews how to pray and read the Bible, a gift that he returned to Ricky with a heartfelt bedside prayer in his final days.
He is survived by his sisters (youngest to oldest): Donna Duperon-Armstrong, Linda (Dan) Blayer, and Carole Hibbens, and his many close nieces and nephews, whom he helped raise and loved as his own children, from oldest to youngest: Paul Hibbens, Derek (Heidi, Joseph, Grace, Matilda, Rosie) Blayer, Kelly (Adam, Bode, Berkeley) Jordan, James Hibbens, Jason Hibbens, Danielle (Amber, Aaron, Hunter) Fielhauer, Katrina (Darryl, Kayden, Dimitri, Kyren) Babik.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Thelma and Frederick Duperon Sr., brother-in-law Wesley Hibbens, grandparents, several aunts, uncles, cousins, many lifelong friends and family, and the nieces and nephews that he never had the chance to spoil Earth-side.
A celebration of Ricky's life will be held on Thursday, May 29 at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan at 1:30 PM with military honors. Friends and family are encouraged to wear Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Tigers, Lions, Red Wings or Pistons colors in his honor. Friends and family are invited to join us after the ceremony for a gathering at a local restaurant (details to follow). In keeping with our Catholic tradition, we invite you to join us virtually for a rosary (or prayer of your choice) on Wednesday, May 29 at 8pm.
Ricky danced to the beat of his own drum and made the world a more colorful place. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Until we meet again, save us all a seat at the card table
"I will never forget the gift from God, named Ricky" - Gary Barber (beloved cousin)