William P. Dubuc

William (Will) Preston Dubuc, 24 years old, of Charlotte, died peacefully Sunday August 13th, 2017 surrounded by loved ones and friends, after successfully defeating brain cancer for 7 years. William was born in Burlington, Vermont on August 26th 1992, and immediately began to steal the hearts of all those he came into contact with. Will attended Charlotte Central School before graduating from Champlain Valley Union High School in 2010. William worked for many years at the Shelburne Supermarket, before completing the Correctional Academy in 2014 and working briefly for the Department of Corrections. He attended the Community College of Vermont, where at the time of his death, he was working on completing prerequisites for the Vermont Technical College's Nursing Program. In fitting selfless form, Will hoped to pay it forward for the years of help he received from the many amazing nurses who crossed his path. His free time was joyfully spent with his many cherished friends (especially Ryan Costello and Alex Farrell). He loved his yearly visits to Mammy Farrell's in Marco Island, Florida, and weekend trips to Boston for Red Sox games or to hang with friends. Will loved to cook, and was quite good at it. He perfected many a recipe hosting dinner parties for his Isham Street crew. He was a fan of movies, particularly the horror genre, and loved collecting and watching all the old classics. Throughout the years of various treatments William could not be slowed down. You would often find him traveling from the Chemotherapy Infusion Bay directly to the gym, and from the gym directly downtown to sing karaoke with anyone who would be brave enough to take the stage with him. (Creed anyone?) He was not afraid to sing loudly and often. William is survived by his parents, Brian and Suzanne (Battista) Dubuc, also of Charlotte, who both treasured the years they had with him. They were very proud of the young man he grew to be. He also leaves behind his two brothers, John (and wife Courtney), Nicholas (and partner Tessa), and his two young nieces Sophia and Genevieve. William was an amazing brother and proud uncle; he adored them all very much. Will is survived by his maternal grandmother Anna Battista, whom he loved to visit in Connecticut. He was fond of the time he spent with her learning to cook. His paternal grandparents John and Beverly Dubuc and maternal grandfather Vito Battista predeceased William. Many aunts, uncles and cousins on both sides of the family--all of whom he held a special place for in his heart--also survive him. His bulldog Doug, his faithful buddy and companion, also survives William. William will be remembered for his selfless, loving and giving attitude and his "old soul". His strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried him through a brave and courageous battle that many would have succumbed to much sooner. Although physically affected by the disease, the cancer was unable to damage his spirit. William's family would like to send out many thanks, first to the dedicated and considerate staff at the Respite House, especially Tom Paquette and Dr. Jaina Clough. A very special thank you must also go out to the staff at the UVM Children's Hospital, mainly Dr. Heather Bradeen, who cared for William during his early years. They would also like to thank Dr. Alissa Thomas, whose kindness, caring, and compassion was instrumental in his long-term success. Lastly, the family would like to thank Father David Cray of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Catholic Church. Father Cray was a great friend and confidant to William, and helped both him and the family through the trying times. William was, and will always be, the embodiment of strength and courage. May those who face a difficult challenge take inspiration from the example he provided for us all. #DUBUCSTRONG A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 19th at St Jude Catholic Church in Hinesburg, Vermont. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday August 18th at Ready Funeral & Cremation Service South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Road, Burlington, Vermont. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the UVM Children's Hospital or the Vermont Make A Wish Foundation in his honor. "William, I now know that we were both praying for different miracles. I prayed for healing and you prayed for an end to your suffering. God granted your miracle, and for that, I am truly grateful. I love you, Mom"