Consigli Ruggerio Funeral Home

Louis J. “Duke” Farese, 64,

Louis J. “Duke” Farese, 64, of Bellingham, passed away surrounded by his loving family, Wednesday, August 30, 2017 in his home. He is the husband of Jacqueline (Blanchette) Farese for 38 years. He was born in Milford, son of the late Peter and Norma (Lancisi) Farese and lived in Milford before moving to Bellingham in 1982. He was a graduate of the Algonquin High School class of 19 71. He graduated from Providence College and a received a degree in Biology. Mr. Farese retired 1985 from the United States Army where he attained the rank of Captain.  He was passionate about restoring antique furniture and clocks. He was a volunteer for 22 years for Bellingham public schools with the students where he assisted them with computer repair.

 In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, Major Peter R. Farese and his wife Kelly of Leavenworth KS, Bethany L. and her husband James Connolly of Hudson, two brothers, Vincent Farese of Marlboro, Jude T. Farese of Medway, one sister, Mary Brown of Milford, four grandchildren, Olivia Connolly, Ava Connolly, Duke Farese and Maxton Farese, many nieces and nephews.               

A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 10 A.M. at the St. Blaise Church 1158 south Main St. Bellingham MA. The burial will be at the convenience of the family. Calling hours will be held Friday 4 to 8 P.M. at the Consigli-Ruggerio Funeral Home, 46 Water St., Milford.    

In lieu flowers donations may be made to the Bellingham Senior Center 40 Blackstone St. Bellingham MA 02019, please put in the memo “In memory of Duke Farese.  


Guest Book

I served with Duke when we both were stationed at the Army Materials Laboratory in Watertown Massachusetts, form 1982-1985. Duke exemplified what it meant to be a scientist and an officer. I am sorry I saw this so far after the fact but know that he is remembered fondly by all he served with Captain Bill Herman Watertown Arsenal, 1982-1986
William Herman


'Little Duke' was the toughest (Tasmanian Terror at Algonquin, Jumping out of airplanes in the service, fighting MS for many years) man I ever knew. Yet he was the gentlest, kindest, most loving man I knew. He was so proud of his family and all they accomplished. This is truly a great loss for all of us that knew him. Jackie you should take solace in all that you did for him over they years. You have nothing to regret except that terrible disease.
Romeo and Susan Farese


I just saw this online..Duke was such an amazing man..I was his mailman for years before I retired, always enjoyed talking to him. To his family and his many friends, I am so very sorry for your loss..Rest in Peace Mr. Farese.
Linda Creasia


Dear Jacqueline and Family: I am so truly sorry for your loss. I have heard so many truly wonderful things about Uncle Duke through Katie and Christopher. You can tell the impact you both made in their lives as their eyes light up every time they speak of Duke, your family and you. He must have been a truly wonderful man to have made such an empowering impact. Again, I am sorry for your loss and hope you can find some peace and pride knowing what beauty carries on in the hearts of those who knew him.
Mae & Michael Curran (Christopher's parents)


Duke, "Deeply saddened" does not seem to convey how I feel about Duke passing away. Whether it was facing down opponents on the football field or, more importantly, in the stands as his adopted Algonquin High took on Milford, and facing an obstacle in the way of his wheelchair, Duke handled every thing life offers with grace, dignity and passion. I'll never forgot the time, Duke pulled me aside from his wheelchair a few years ago and whispered, if they ever tell you can only walk ten more feet, walk them...walk them slowly." Those words have resonated in my mind ever since and, most likely, always will.
Gary Castiglion


Our heart and prayers go out to the Farese family. It was our honor to know and have worked with Duke! He was a fun loving and inspirational man. He loved his country and served it well. He helped the young adults, both in church and school. He was an amazing family man. So proud of you all! He would (and did) give his all to support and love you! I never saw him angry about his condition, but taught us all by his humility and strength. God has an amazing man and you have a guardian angel!
Dick and Cheryl Langevin


Jackie, Bethany and Pete: We are so sorry to hear of Duke's passing. He was an inspiration to everyone that knew him. He gave so much to the PJP and Keough Memorial Students over the years. He didn't let his physical ailments get in the way of enjoying life with his family and friends. We enjoyed the many laughs at the football and field hockey games that are kids played together. We enjoyed the porchetta and Christmas parties with him. Whenever you met Duke he had a smile and a story. May the memories and prayers get you through the days and weeks ahead. RIP Duke! Dick and Linda Ranieri
Dick and Linda Ranieri


Jackie, I'm so sorry to hear about Dukes passing he was a wonderful man may he R.I.P. Sue Chicoine ( bus driver )
Sue Chicoine


Yesterday at school my Principal told the hole school that Duke the husband of one of the counselors has passed away. i never met the man but what i hear is amazing things he worked at my new school for 22 years for free and to me that is amazing R.I.P Duke you were loved... Jo Dee Messina - heaven was needing a hero.... this is the song i listen to when i think about my bio mom she passed away in 2013... and now i dedicate it to Duke. forever in Dukes memory you will be missed always and forever. Mrs. Farese i know we only met once at my interview for me to go to Keough Memorial Academy but i want you to to know that I'm very sorry for your loss Duke was loved and he may be gone but not forgotten... Always & Forever Till Forever Ends - The Originals
Jacqueline Fernandes And The Fernandes Family


Duke was such a proud American. Most important, I learned through our conversations, he was a proud husband, father and grandfather. Also, we were both proud of our Italian heritage, and were proud Providence College Friars. Duke was courageous, unfailingly positive and an inspiration to many. It was my pleasure to have known him. God bless you my friend!
Larry Eppolito


Mary,Thinking of you in Sympathy,And Prayers,So Sorry to hear about Dukey.He is your guardian angel now.God bless,Sandi
Sandi


Bethany and Family- I am so sorry for your loss. Have peace in knowing that he is with Heavenly Father. May the Lord be with you and your family at this time of sorrow. My sincerest condolences.
Migdalia Platt


Duke,even though i only been in your life for 3 years i will miss you honestly we had our ups and downs but overall you were like a father to me and a mentor you will always be missed especially by me you were the biggest role model i had and it meant a lot to me how much you cared for every one as much as you did i really wanted to say a special memory but it is hard to choose and to Ms. Farese i am so sorry that duke died i will be there at the funeral
rose esty


I was saddened to hear of the loss of Duke. Being a childhood friend, I have many fond memories of our youth. He and his family are my thoughts ans prayers.
Mary-Jane McBride Chiccarelli


We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Duke. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Milford High School Class of 1971


My heart goes out to you and your family. As a former student of PJP I never got the chance to thank you both of you for all you've done. Duke was really an inspiration to alot of us and he always had the best stories to tell. He took a lot of joy in teaching us how to build and fix computers. I would see kids walking out of his class with the biggest smile on there face. Duke was much more then just a computer teacher to alot of us he was a friend. I also want to thank you for all you have done. You always took the time to listen and never passed judgement. You pushed me to keep doing better and made me believe anything is possible. Thank you for always being kind and an amazing role model. I'm so sorry for your lost and hope you can find comfort in knowing that he used his time on this earth in the best ways possible. Take care Mrs.Fearese
Mattie Rawlinson


Jackie and family. I was deeply saddened to learn of Duke's passing and share grief for your terrible loss. You all know what an amazing person he was. Duke will always be remembered as an inspiration by all who had the privilege to know him, and I am proud to have been one who called him friend.
Dennis Bouvier


What a great human being, smart and talented and funny and kind, appreciative of people's gifts and quirks, and full of stories. He truly made the world a better place.
Bill Spont


Duke was such a great man! Loved listening to his stories while in computer class. Very sorry for everyone's loss, he will be remembered fondly.
Robb Julian


We are so very sorry for the family. He did so much for our handicapped daughter, as well as the community. He will be missed.
Michael Fay


We are so sorry to hear of Dukes passing. What a wonderful man. He helped our family many years ago when our daughter Michele had her accident in 2001. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. The Fay Family
The Fay Family


I'm very sorry for your loss Mrs. Farese. Duke was an amazing person always made people smile weather they was having a good or bad day. When I first met Duke he would have a smile oh his face and I would tell him to have a great day. It's so sad to see him gone, when I first herd the news I didn't want to believe it. He was a respectful man and always cared about everyone , it don't seem right , he just recently seen me walk across the stage and accomplish my goal and finishing high school , I would remember going to his room everyday after classes would end and ask if he needed any help with anything. It's a very sad moment to witness and I'm sorry this had to happen to you. I will be sending my prayers out to you and your family.
Jaquis Vieira


Duke, i love you so much and i am going to miss you like crazy. You always made me laugh and smile when i was upset and you made me feel like one of your own. I know heaven will shine brighter now and you will always be with us. Thank you for being you and loving us all 💗 rest easy in heaven 💗 i send my condolences to you Mrs. Farese and your family.
Sara Jones


"Mr. Farese," as I called him, was unfailingly kind, encouraging, and positive, always speaking with a sharp wit but never a sharp tongue. He was also patient and ever-tolerant of teenagers engaged in loud study sessions in his own home. He always struck me as such a wonderful dad. My heart goes out to your family. Please know that he was much-loved by others and will be greatly missed.
Marya Spont-Lemus


Duke..I never got the chance to say goodbye..... I'm sorry.... and I've never came to realize how much you have been a great impact on me and so many students at keough and the old primavera school. I knew you for almost 2 years and whenever I would come in to see you I'd always be laughing or smiling. You will be terribly missed my friend, and I wish you the best of luck with my good friend Jesus. We love and miss you, you're an angel.
Aliza Luce


Jackie and Family, We are so very sorry to hear this news. We have so many great memories of Duke with the peanut gallery at all the field hockey games that the girls played in. He gave so unselfishly to so many people and he will be missed and remembered for the great man that he was. Our deepest sympathy.
Dan and Sue Ranieri


Jackie our hearts go out to you and your family, may Duke rest in peace. Thank you for sharing Duke with all of us. He has not only left his mark on the students, he has taught a lot of us adults about the importance of listening and working with these kids. Duke thank you for making some of us better people Sincerely, Len Gosselin
Len Gosselin


Duke was such an inspiration to everyone. He made my time in Primavera highschool one of a kind. Hes a truly special person. With a heavy heart I say I miss you and pray you're in a better place now. Thankyou for changing the lives of so many people, it's been a pleasure knowing you friend.
Tayler autumn Machado


Jackie and family I am so very sorry and hope that the wonderful memories of Duke will comfort you. Debbie and Joe Francesconi
Deb Francesconi


Our boys were in football together. Such a sweet wonderful man. So very sorry for your loss.
Carol Kramer


I am so saddened about the passing of Duke.He inspired so many students ,teachers and parents over the years with the times that he volunteered at the former Primavera School and Keough Academy. Jackie, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Margaret MilanHalacy retired Special Needs Staff Bellingham
Margaret Milan Halacy Retired Sped Teacher


Jackie and family, I am so very sorry for your lost. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Claudette Recore


Duke thank you so much for everything you did for us. you will always be an inspiration to all of us. You did things that will always be remembered. Thank you for all u taught us all the lessons you gave us.you did things that most people would not do and that was teaching us with the battles you were faceing I don't know anyone else who would have done that.also thank you for serving are country you gave you life to protect us. Duke we know u are watching down on us making sure we are successful .shine you light down on us . May u Rest In Peace in the everlasting life with jesus .thank you duke you will always be remembered in all of our ♥️. U left a marjor positive impact on all of us .and now it's time to so you what we learn from you.we will forever miss and love u thank u. Rip duke
Kenneth Dion


Duke was a wonderful and kind man. He was a great neighbor for many years, always cheerful, never complaining. We send our deepest sympathy to his wonderful family. Sincerely, Heather, Joe, Lyla,and Barbara
Barbara Vanasse


Jackie, my thoughts are with you and your family. Duke was an amazing, strong, caring, loving man who devoted so much to the student's and families at Keough Academy. May beautiful memories bring you comfort. Forever in my heart Deb Friedman
Deb Friedman


Duke, Thank you for being the most amazing and awe inspiring human that I have ever had the honor to meet. You were the strongest, kindest, most giving man and you cared so much for your Keough Memorial Academy family. We will never forget you Captain and you will forever be one of the most impactful unsung heros to so many people. We love you Duke and thank you for showing us what a true hero was and thank you for sharing your life and love with us. You will always be in our hearts and we promise to always take good care of Jackie. We love you and miss you terribly. Sincerely, Your Keough Memorial Academy Family
Dave Cutler


Bethany and family; In this time of loss and sorrow, may you feel peace from the condolences that are offered to your family in this time of grievous. I am sure he will be missed dearly but will always stay alive in your heart and memories.
Susan Luna- You INC


Jackie, Bethany and Peter and am truly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Duke was a very loved man. Angela Caswell (Zazza)
Angela Caswell


I was shocked and saddened to hear this. Duke was a wonderful man with a fabulous spirit my thought and prayers are with each of you.
Marie Rodreick


to the Farese family, i am so sorry for your loss, just know my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sorrowful time. Stacie Callanan-Geller (college friend of Jude)
stacie Callanan-geller


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