Robert J. Ducharme

Robert J. Ducharme, 86, of Woonsocket, passed peacefully at the Friendly Home after a long illness. He was the husband of the late Constance (Lefebvre) Ducharme. Born in Burrillville, he was the son of the late Roderick J. and Aldea (St. Martin) Ducharme. He was a transmission specialist with the former Siegel Motors of Woonsocket retiring after 38 years.
Robert was a Korean War veteran who served with the Second Division in Korea. He was active in veterans' organizations, and at various times served as Commander of Amvets Posts 7 and 11519; United Veterans of Woonsocket; and the Franco-American War Veterans of Woonsocket. In 1994 he received the POW'S/MIA'S Award of Achievement. He was one of the leading advocates for the Woonsocket Korean War Memorial and is remembered on that monument as its Concept Originator. Mr. Ducharme was named Veteran of the year by the United Veterans Council in 1998 and by the Woonsocket Elks in 1999. In 2002 he received the Veterans Action Center Patriots Award for lifetime service to veterans.
Mr. Ducharme was also a well-known local artist and art teacher who owned and operated Ducharme's Art Studio in Woonsocket for over three decades. He exhibited paintings, watercolors and sculpture both regionally and nationally and had several one-man shows in Southern New England, as well as receiving numerous awards at regional art festivals. He continued to teach even in retirement, holding art classes at senior centers in Woonsocket and Cumberland well into his seventies. He received a certificate of recognition for his participation in the Building Bridges art education program in 2003. Mr. Ducharme also taught art to veterans at the V.A. Hospital in Providence, receiving their 100 Hour pin for volunteers. Mr. Ducharme is survived by his daughter, Diane Ducharme of New Haven, CT. his long time companion Arlene Claflin , of Scottsdale, Arizona, his sister, Rita Walsh of Lake Forest, CA; his sister in law, Mrs. Russell Ducharme; and numerous nieces and nephews. His brothers Raymond, Roderick, and Russell Ducharme predeceased him. Relatives and Friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, (Sept. 24th) at 10:00 A.M. at St. Charles Borromeo Church, No. Main & Daniels St. Woonsocket. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter. Flowers & Calling hours are respectfully omitted.