Nelson L. "Nellie" Duquette

Nelson L. “Nellie” Duquette, 72, of Manchester, NH, died unexpectedly at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center surrounded by his loving family after complications from a brief illness on January 24, 2025. Born in Manchester, NH on February 8, 1952, he was the son of the late Nelson R. “Duke” Duquette and Juliette (Caron) Duquette. He shared nearly 54 years of marriage with his wife, Lillie (Young) Duquette.

Nelson was raised in Bedford and attended Bedford Schools, Manchester West High School, and Berwick Academy in Maine. His career at Great State Beverages, Inc., spanned for over 50 years when he retired from his position as warehouse supervisor.

Nelson was a big sports fan throughout his life. He grew up playing hockey both at West High School and Berwick Academy. During his son’s childhood, he was a coach for his hockey and baseball teams in Manchester. Later, he was a regular at his grandchildren’s sporting events to support and cheer them on. Being an avid New England sports fan, in the winter months he loved to watch the Bruins and Patriots. In the summer, he enjoyed spending time at the beach; his love for the beach began during his childhood when he went to the family’s cottage at Hampton Beach and as his family grew, he continued to make memories there. 

Nelson is survived by his wife, Lillie Duquette of Manchester; his children, Natalie Ducharme of Goffstown, Derek Duquette and his wife Louanne of Manchester, and Melissa Hartshorn and her husband Peter of Dunbarton; his sister, Priscilla Walsh and her husband Richard of Bedford; his close brother-in-law, Ron Paris; his grandchildren, Corey and Elizabeth Ducharme, Emily and Liam Duquette, and Lydia, Luke and Jacob Hartshorn; as well as several nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins, extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be on Thursday, January 30th from 4-7PM at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 31st at 10AM at Saint Raphael Parish, 103 Walker Street, Manchester, NH. Burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Bedford.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Nelson’s memory may be made to Saint Raphael Parish or to a youth sports organization of your choice.