Claude H. Duckworth

Claude Harold Duckworth, 83, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025 at Waterview Villa in East Providence surrounded by his wife, Donna, and his loving family.

Claude was born March 7, 1942, the son of Lois and Harold Duckworth.  He is predeceased by his sister Joyce O’Brien.

After graduating from East Providence High School in 1960, Claude joined the United States Air Force and served from 1962-1966.

In 1962 he met Donna at Providence Covenant Church. It was a match made in heaven, and they were married July 20, 1963, at a tiny Covenant Church in Baudette, Minnesota. This July would have been their 62nd anniversary.

He has 5 children;  Lois Winslet, her partner Geoff Grinsell of Pawtucket, Robert Duckworth of Houlton, Maine, Randy Duckworth and his wife Sheila of Riverside, Lynda Taromina and her husband Alan of Cumberland and Leann Dunn and her husband Jim of East Providence. He has 11 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

He was an active member of Riverside Covenant Church in the 70s where he was a Trustee. He was the person everyone knew to call with a mechanical problem. This was the main reason he was able to maintain The Handy Bake Shoppe in Rumford, which Donna opened in 1981 after the children were in school. It was an instant success.

Claude worked for many years as service manager for Wood’s Heating of East Providence but left his job to assist Donna in 1982. They worked together for almost 30 years before closing in 2010.

As his health deteriorated Leann and Jim offered room with them where Claude and Donna lived since 2019. Claude enjoyed bicycle riding and spending time with family and friends at Briggs’ Beach in Little Compton. He enjoyed the special care he received from his sister-in-law Barbara Levine and her husband Doug. He also enjoyed their company while hiking, bicycle riding, and mountain climbing with them at Arcadia National Park in Bar Harbour Maine. He spent many hours with his life long friend and cousin, Earl Berwick.

His memorial service will be at Riverside Covenant Church, 165 Rounds Ave, Riverside on Saturday, June 28th at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be made to Riverside Covenant Church, Loaves and Fishes Ministry.