William "Dupe" Duplissis

For William R. Dupe Duplissis, the greatest joy in life was bringing a smile to someones face. A dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather, he treasured being in the company of family and good friends alike. His optimism and determination throughout his life was a gift to many as he served his community. His legacy leaves a warm place in the hearts of all who knew him, and whose lives he touched with his laughter, love and friendship. He will be truly and deeply missed. In the throes of the Great Depression, 1933 marked the worst year in times of great struggle as the U.S. jobless rate reached 15 million. It was also a time of great stride in American culture as Radio City Music Hall opened and The Ranger, the first U.S. aircraft carrier, was launched. FDR held his first Fireside Chat while Americans continued their thirst for entertainment as King Kong made its debut on the big screen. In the city of Chicago, Illinois, Dr. S.E. and Elizabeth (Foss) Duplissis had reason to celebrate as they welcomed the birth of a son they named William Richard Duplissis who was born on February 23, 1933. William joined brother Robert in the Duplissis household. Williams father provided for his family as an Optometrist while his mother was a homemaker, staying home to care for the boys. When Bill was a year old, the family moved to North Muskegon, Michigan where his father began his practice. A typical young man growing up, Bill enjoyed a memorable childhood with friends as well as his brother Robert. There were five years between the two Duplissis boys, but they remained close their whole lives through. Living along the shores of Lake Michigan provided the family enjoyable times boating and all that lakeshore living had to offer. Throughout the years, Bill made many lifelong friends while attending North Muskegon schools. The family made their home just a block from the high school where Bill spent much of his time hanging out at the Norseman football field. While in junior high, Bill even became manager of the football team. Bill, or Dupe as he was nicknamed, was an outgoing young man and became quite an athlete. While in school, he excelled in sports, especially basketball, football, and baseball. In fact, he led North Muskegon teams to several conference championships. Bill was blessed with a talent for singing as well. His father was part of a barbershop singing group that Bill eventually became involved with too. By the time he was 16, Bill was singing in his own barbershop quartet where he sang first tenor. In fact, Bill continued to sing in barbershop quartets for most of his life. When not attending to his studies or playing sports, Bill worked as a golf caddy for his father at the golf club course, and it was here that Bill learned to play a good game of golf at an early age. After graduating from North Muskegon High School in 1951, and like most young men of the time, Bill joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War. While stationed in Germany, Bill once again excelled as a star basketball player on the 97th General Hospital base team where many lifelong friends were forged. His time in the service also afforded him the opportunity to travel throughout Europe while playing at various bases. When Bill was discharged from the service, he returned to Muskegon where he found work in the finance business. It was in 1959, while working for Seaboard Finance, that Bill strolled past Chappel Loans where Frances Belmonte worked. Bill was quite taken with this young woman, and after seeing her several times, he finally stopped in one day and asked her out. On that memorable first date, Bill took Frances to the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival by boat. Fran was scared to death, but held close to Bill, and she never let him go. As fate would have it, the two were destined for one another, and every since, spent the rest of their days together. On July 16, 1960, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Bill and Fran were united as husband and wife. Bill eventually became an insurance agent with Prudential Insurance Company. Bill was delighted when he and Fran were blessed with the birth of their son Mark in 1961, followed by Matthew in 1963, and in 1965 Michael came along. Bill loved being a dad to his boys and was really just a big kid himself. He became very involved in the lives of his children, coaching their little league teams and attended all their hockey games. Over the years, Bill remained a tried and true Norseman, and with his love of sports, Bill taught them well, especially golf. Over the years, fond memories were made when together they took part in an annual fathers day golf outing. Bill also acquired a love for fishing over the years. During the summer, Bill and the boys would often fish together, and in the winter, took to ice fishing. As a family, memorable times and vacations were spent camping, along with trips to Florida where they would visit Bills parents. Dedicated and longtime members of St. Francis deSales Catholic Church, the family became involved in various activities at the church throughout the years. In his free time, Bill continued his love and enjoyment for barbershop. For over 50 years, he was a member of SPEBSQSA, and loved singing with his quartet, the Kasual Ds. Fran and Bill often traveled all over the country with his barbershop groups, making lasting friendships wherever they went. In later years, Bill enjoyed getting together with the old timer barbershop guys each month reminiscing about great times shared. Additionally, Bill also sang with the Shoreline Chorus and the Hee Haw trio. Dupe also made several trips to Myrtle Beach along with some of his regular group of golf buddies. With his great love for the water, Bill also helped crew his brother Bobs sailboat for a time. Great and hilarious times were spent bringing laughter to people as Bill was part of the Dancing Hats, a group of guys who entertained many over the years as they wore huge hats over their heads and shoulders, painting their belly buttons to look like they were whistling. It goes without saying, Bill had quite an imagination, not to mention a wonderful sense of humor. He was outgoing and well liked by many. His love for the community inspired him to participate in many local community activities, especially mentoring and coaching young people. He served as a board member for the Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame, and was instrumental in developing the display showcases at the L.C. Walker Arena. As a family man, Bill cherished times spent in the company of those he loved and cared about. He was in his element when the family was together with Frans large family. Bill was sure to play Santa each Christmas at the family gathering of over 50 people. He was a favorite uncle to his many nieces and nephews, and was a special and welcome person in the lives of many extended family as well. Bill loved telling stories and jokes; anything to give people to opportunity to laugh. He enjoyed good conversation around sports, but most importantly, he loved being with family and friends. During his retirement years, Bill and Fran spent time with John and Roe along with other couple friends, taking trips to the casinos up north and time wintering in Florida. Over time, Bill began to experience some health issues. He had a heart bypass in 1981 and again in 1991. Three years ago, he was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, but never complained. With his faithful dog Tank by his side he was determined as ever to live life as full and completely as possible. With his love for the warmer climate during the winter months, and the opportunity to get rested, not to mention his desire to acquire a tan, Bill insisted that he and Fran make their annual trip south for the winter. Bills determination was strong, but sadly his body gave way to his many health issues. On Saturday, March 28, 2009, at the age of 76, William R. Dupe Duplissis passed away in Naples, Florida, surrounded by his loving family. Bill is survived by his wife, Frances; sons, Mark (Leanne), Matthew (Amy), and Michael; grandchildren: Aaron, Andrea, Nick, Katie Joe, and Olivia; his brother, Robert (Jean-Mary); brothers and sisters-in-law, Rosemary (John) Bench, Kris (Tony) Barr, Sam (Char) Belmonte, John (Gini) Belmonte, and Larry Belmonte; numerous nieces, nephews and treasured friends. A service to celebrate Bills life will be held on Monday, April 6, 2009, 10:00 AM at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church with Fr. Thomas Simons officiating. Friends may meet with his family on Sunday, 1-4 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to: The Susan G. Komen For the Cure, the American Lung Association, United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan or to the charity of your choice in memory of Bill. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory, submit a favorite photo or sign his online guest book.