Frank W. Duso, 80, of Chester passed away of natural causes Wednesday, March 10, 2010 surrounded by loved ones. Frank was born November 9th, 1929 in Whitensville, MA, son of Margaret Bourgoise Duso and William Duso. Frank was a Korean War veteran of the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska where, as he led his family to believe, he saved Alaska from the Russians on more than one occasion. Frank worked many jobs during his lifetime including 20 years spent at Honeywell, many years as a security guard for the Lawrence Public School system and Holy Family Hospital. Most recently he volunteered at Parkland Medical Center in Derry where he was affectionately know as the Cookie Man.
Frank was an avid sportsman, playing for many softball, football and bowling leagues. He coached Lawrence Little League and over the years gave out countless gifts as Santa Claus for Holy Family Hospital. During his later years Frank could often be found at Mary Ann’s Diner in Derry causing trouble or at the Chester Swap Shop bringing treasures home.
Members of his family include his five daughters, Theresa Trull, Juanita Fazio, Jeanne Willis, Joan Arthur and Jacqueline Knowles as well as two honorary sons Peter Thompson and Michael Lapointe. He is also survived by his brother Walter Duso and sister Arlene Douglas, 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 60 years, Leona Potty Duso and brothers Arthur, Joseph and Carmy.
Calling hours were held Friday, March 12th from 5 to 8pm at the Peabody Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry, NH. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Saturday at 1:00pm at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Crystal Ave., Derry. A private family burial will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Andover, MA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Amedisys Hospice Services, 1 E. Commons Drive, Unit 33, Londonderry, NH 03053.