Joseph L. Doucette Jr. (Larry or Frenchy) 97, of Wilmington DE, passed away on April 15, 2026, at Exton Senior Living, Exton, Pa after a long illness.
Son of Joseph and Gertrude (Amirault) Doucette, Larry was born in Reading, MA on May 13, 1928. He served as a Merchant Marine for a few years before being drafted into the Army during the Korean War. After his military service, Larry worked as an electrician and was a member of IBEW Local 313, retiring in 1990.
Larry learned how to ice skate very young and became an excellent ice hockey skater. Later in life, he learned how to ski and helped to teach his grandchildren the sport. He built an in-ground pool in his backyard which became his favorite summer place. Larry enjoyed music and dancing and attended many dances. He always enjoyed the times he spent with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Philomena L. Ciarlo Doucette (1999), his son, Joseph L Doucette III (1960), his daughter, Deborah J. Doucette (1966), his son Richard A. Doucette (1972) and his grandson Joseph M. Reis (2002), his sisters Mary R. Jewett (2007), and Shirley Angelini (2017) and brother James T. Doucette (2026).
He is survived by his daughters Phyllis Reis (Robert) and Donna Colgain (Anthony) and eight grandchildren Cynthia Pelet (John), Deborah Ross (Brian), Catherine Reis (Dylan), Patricia Reis (Gregory), Christine Colgain, Anthony Colgain Jr., Michael Colgain, Kimberly Colgain (Ryan) and eight great grandchildren, and also brothers, John Doucette,South Wellflett MA, Richard Doucette (Marlene), Derry, NH and sisters Jean Cox, North Reading MA and Marguerite Young, Salisbury NC and many nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held from 10-11am, Friday, April 24, followed at 11am by a Mass of Christian Burial at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 905 New Rd., Elsmere. Interment, with military honors, will be at Cathedral Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Exton Senior Living, 600 N Pottstown Pike, Exton, PA 19341. Funeral arrangements by McCrery & Harra.
