Dennis J. "Duke" Dugas passed away at his home on Thursday, March 10, 2011. He was 89 years of age. Duke was born in Nova Scotia on December 21, 1921 to the late Adrian & Marie (Comeau) Dugas. He came to the United States at the age of 4, was raised in Dorchester & Milton and graduated from Milton High School, Class of 1938. Mr. Dugas served his nation proudly in the US Army during WWII with 2 tours of duty as a combat engineer and was a bronze star recipient. He has been a resident of Melrose for the past 65 years. Duke was a proud member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 17 in Boston for over 50 years, working for the Charlie P. Blouin Company in Burlington. In his younger years, he taught roller dancing at Chez Vous in Mattapan for several years, was a member of the Toppers Club, the Mystic Valley Gun Club, St. Mary's Church and the VFW Harold O'Young Post # 2394 in Melrose. Mr. Dugas spent summers in Ossippee, NH for over 47 years and had a passion for fly fishing. Duke was the devoted husband of 64 years to Marjorie E. (Babcock) Dugas. Loving father of Marie D. Morrow & her husband Steve of Everett, Audrey A. McMahon & her husband Michael of Billerica, Paula J. Dugas & her husband Lee Scarborough of Wells, ME, Gerard J. Dugas & his wife Barbara of NH, Shelia M. Dugas of NH, Brian J. Dugas of NH, & the late Michael J. Dugas & Ellen Dugas. Former father-in-law of Charlie Koehler of Nahant. Cherished grandfather of Danielle, Kristina, Rebecca & the late Scott, Charles Jr, Michelle, Anne Marie and Thomas. Great grandfather of Andrea, Ryan, Emily, Samantha & Owen. Also survived by several nieces, nephews and his beloved pet beagle Sam. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Monday March 14th at 8AM. A Funeral Mass in celebration of Duke's life will be held at St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose at 9AM. Relatives & friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours Sunday from 2:00-6:00PM. Burial in Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hematology & Oncology Clinic @ Baldwin Park II, care of Dr. Beverly Bowker, 7 Alfred St. Woburn, MA 01801.