Kenneth O. LeDuc, 85, of Marlborough

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Kenneth O. LeDucMarlborough – Kenneth O. LeDuc passed away peacefully in the comfort of the Liberty Street group home on Saturday October 17, 2020 after a period of declining health. He was 85 years old.

Born in Boston on June 22, 1935, “Kenny” was placed into the care of Tewksbury State Hospital at the tender age of four. At fourteen, Ken was transferred to Wrentham State Hospital, where he resided until the age of forty-three. At Wrentham State, Ken met his beloved lifelong companion, Monica White.

Ken and Monica began a new journey together when they moved to the Liberty Street group home at 240 Main Street in 1978. This new beginning was made possible by the hard work of countless loving staff members from Thrive Advocacy and Support, formerly known as Greater Marlboro Programs, Inc. With the assistance of such outstanding staff throughout the years, Ken enjoyed a fuller and much happier life.

In his younger days at Liberty Street, Ken learned the skills he needed to get around the local community. He was a regular at Bumpy’s Restaurant, arriving each morning for his absolute favorite beverage: coffee. Ken enjoyed local church suppers and attending mass at Immaculate Conception Church. He was an enthusiastic candlepin bowler, an activity he enjoyed until very recently. Along with his housemates and staff members, Ken enjoyed regular dinners at the Eagles, Zumba classes, dances at Speakers, and summer vacations.

Kenny loved to work as much as he loved recreation. He would often exclaim “work Monday!” in the middle of a favorite weekend activity. Ken enjoyed a variety of employment opportunities through the help of the kind and dedicated staff at Advocates, formerly known as SMARC. After many years of sheltered employment, he began transitional work assignments, with the support of a job coach. Ken worked for several years at Bradlees Department Store in Westboro. He later worked at a Northboro distribution center for NEC Technologies, packaging computer components. Ken was dedicated, capable and proud of his work.  In his later years, Ken attended a day habilitation program at Advocates, which he looked forward to every day.

In addition to his dearest friend Monica, Kenny leaves his beloved housemates: Audrey, Brian, Clayton, David, Elaine, Jeff, Joel, Philip and Ronnie. He also leaves the devoted staff at Liberty Street, who cared for him throughout the years, as well as the wonderful folks at Advocates. Ken leaves his guardian, Maureen Burke. Many thanks to Dr. Kimberly Buckman for her years of dedicated care and to the Notre Dame Hospice program for their kindness and support.

A calling hour will be held from 9:30-10:30 on Friday, October 23 at the Collins Funeral Home, 378 Lincoln Street, Marlboro. The funeral mass will be held at 11:00 at Immaculate Conception Church, followed by burial at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Hudson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to THRIVE Support & Advocacy at:  https://www.icanthrive.org.

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