Louis E. Durocher of Hamden died peacefully on Thursday, September 10, 2015, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Diane Durocher (nee LaBagnara) of Hamden. Lou was born in Waterbury on August 8, 1934, the son of the late Louis and Bertha Durocher. He resided in Hamden for more than 40 years and was a highly respected real estate appraiser. Lou and his wife were active members of St Joan of Arc Church in Hamden, and were devoted Roman Catholics who made two pilgrimages to the Holy Land as well as to Lourdes and Fatima. In addition to his wife, Lou is survived by a brother, Lawrence (Linda) Durocher of Woodbury, a daughter Michele (Charles) Dunne of Washington DC, a daughter Denise (Timothy) Duffy of North Carolina, a son Louis J. Durocher of North Carolina, and four grandchildren (Lucas Duffy, Lilla Duffy, Olivia Dunne, and Maxwell Dunne). Lou’s sister, Dolores Pesino of Waterbury, predeceased him.
Lou was known for his strong work ethic, but also for his love of family and his musical talent. Growing up in Waterbury, Lou showed great prowess on the accordion and graduated from the University of Hartford’s Hartt School in 1956 with a major in music theory. He started the Durocher School of Music in West Haven, which offered lessons in many instruments until 1970. Although Lou made a career change to real estate appraisal, he continued to delight his family and friends with his wonderful accordion playing. Lou reached the highest professional designation in his new field, becoming a Member of the Appraisal Institute (MAI) in 1973. He started his own appraisal firm, Durocher Associates, based in New Haven and continued appraising commercial as well as residential property throughout Connecticut until mid-August 2015. Lou’s hobbies included nearly daily fishing excursions as well as occasional trips to Mohegan Sun casino. He had a deep love for his wife of 56 years, Diane, and for his children and grandchildren. Lou was also known for his quiet but profound religious faith, including a special devotion to St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue Monday morning at 9:15. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Joan of Arc Church at 10:00 am. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Sunday from 3 to 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Music Maker Relief Foundation, PO Box 1358, Hillsborough NC 27278 (www.musicmaker.org).
Jim and I will keep you and your family in our prayers during this most terrible of times. If there is anything we can do for you please do not hesitate to let us know. We will miss him terribly and we want you to know how much we loved you both. You and Lou were always on our minds and we thought of you both so many times. Please accept our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Our love always, Bev. And Jim
My deepest condolences on Lou's passing. I was fortunate enough to know Lou through many happy family holiday gatherings. Always the gentleman, Lou would regal us with tails of his musical exploits. A loving husband, father amd grandfather, it was clear how much his family meant to him. I will miss his warmth and friendly presence at daughter Michele's celebrations.
Dear Diane and family,
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband. I have fond memories of Paradise CC.
days, picnics and fun on the tennis courts. One thing I have learned is that no one truly dies as long as ONE person remembers, and I am sure you have wonderful memories.
Fondly, the D. DiGioia family