Stephen P. Ducharme

Stephen P. Ducharme

- - Stephen P. Ducharme passed away early Wednesday morning; October 24,2018 after battling Lewy Body Dementia at the age of 63. He was a smart-witted caring man.

Stephen is the son of the late Paul and Theresa Ducharme. He is survived by his spouse, Amy Ducharme; a daughter, Debbi; a son, Stephen P. Ducharme II and wife, Rande; and 2 granddaughters, Alexa and Ava. In addition he is survived by 2 stepchildren: Tyler Holland; Shane Holland and wife, Barri; and granddaughter Charli. Stephen is also survived by 5 siblings.

He followed in his fathers footsteps working in the foundry and became well established in the field.

Stephen Ducharme served as a member of the American Foundry Society for many years. He was a leading copper metallurgist known throughout the U.S. for his contributions to the copper metalcasting industry. Stephen had a passion for teaching and mentoring young professionals. He was instrumental in the development of new lead free copper alloys, which was specifically used for making copper components for use in drinking water applications.

Stephen was a member of the Copper Alloy Division of AFS throughout his career. The Copper Alloy Scholarship was renamed the Stephen Ducharme Student Scholarship in 2015. He was an AFS Division Council Member At-Large from 2001-2004, Chairman of the Education Committee from 2008-2014, as well as Chairman of the Copper Alloy Division. He also served as the Chairman of the AFS Keystone Chapter. He sat on The Institute's Board of Directors (formerly the Cast Metals Institute) from 2004-2009, serving as Chairman in 2007-2008.

He received the CMI Directors' Award in 2002, the David Kunkel Distinguished Service Award in 2003, and the AFS Service Citation in 2006.

Memorial services will be held at Bethany United Methodist Church, 121 W Broadway, Red Lion PA 17356 on Saturday November 3rd at 1:00 pm. (There will be food and refreshments to follow the service). In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Steve's honor to Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047.

As he stated, "No one should have to live with this crap".