Thomas Ducharme ... former Exalted Ruler of Rochester Elks; at 72

ROCHESTER - Thomas Ducharme, 72, passed away with his family by his side on July 18 at Portsmouth Regional Hospital after a brief illness.

Thomas, also known as "Tommy", "Dewey", or "Mr. Ducharme", was born on Sept. 13, 1950, to Norman and Jean Ducharme in Lebanon, N.H. He was a longtime resident of Rochester. He had a natural athletic ability and played baseball and football in his high school years and later played softball for Carney Drug and numerous other organizations, such as the American Legion.

Tom enlisted with the Army and received an honorable discharge in 1969. He then went on to begin his career with the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1971 in Shop 11, working his way through the ranks to Superintendent. He later became Superintendent for Code 703, Facilities Process and Management. He was grateful that under his leadership with the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Northeast Region, millions of dollars were raised for surrounding communities. He retired from the Navy Yard in 2015 after 44 years of service.

Tom became a member of the Rochester Benevolent Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) Lodge #1393 in 1971 and began his journey through the chairs of officers in 1982. In 1989, he became Exalted Ruler. After his service as Exalted Ruler, he became chairman of the PER Association, Trustee, and filled many other roles during his years at the Elks. His leadership and dedication of 55 years to BPOE has had a tremendous impact on the community. He was extremely proud to induct his son, Peter, to the rank of Exalted Ruler in 2023.

While Tom was engaged in many years of service to the community and his career, he also made time for fun. He very much enjoyed working on house projects with Sherry, fishing with his grandchildren, singing karaoke at the Elks with his friends (although they had to lower his microphone due to his overpowering voice), golfing with his friends and family, and was quite the pool player (even though he'd tell you he couldn't play very well).

Of all Tom's accomplishments, he was most proud of his four children. He was also a father-figure to many of their friends who also called him "Dad".

Tom was predeceased by his father, Norman Ducharme and son-in-law Michael Faucher.

He leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Sherry (Rose) Ducharme; his mother, Jean Ducharme; children Paul Ducharme and his wife Jessica, Peter Ducharme and his wife Tisha, Kristen Littlefield and her husband, Bill, and Tisha Faucher.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kaleb, Riley, and Leighton Ducharme, Jaiden Ducharme, Haley and Hagan Faucher, Aiden and Jacob Auger, and Will Littlefield; and his siblings Gail Arndt, Cheryl Patch and her husband Glenn, Tim Ducharme, Steve Ducharme, and Jay Ducharme.