Edgar James "Duke" Dusseau

On Saturday June 25, 2022, Edgar James “Duke” Dusseau, 85, Owings, Maryland, surrounded by family passed away at home after an extended illness.

Born in Washington D.C. in 1937, to Angela Formella and Doras Dusseau where he lived until the family moved to Chesapeake Virginia and settled down. Deciding to return, Duke moved back to Washington D.C. and lived with his Aunt Marie “Mae” and Uncle Edwin Davis. He attended school and became lifelong friends with Timothy Willis. As they figured out life, they worked multiple jobs together and formed a deep-rooted connection. This bond affected Duke enough that he referred to Tim as “his brother.”

Eventually Duke moved in with his aunt and uncle and changed residences to District Heights, Maryland. It was here where Duke met his future wife, Marjory “Gael” Dusseau. Duke and Gael married at Mount Calvary Catholic Church in 1963 and later bought a house in District Heights Maryland. The small house needed repairs but was well suited for Duke’s talents. Through years of toil, Duke transitioned the old house into a comfortable home where they raised four children.

Even with a family and plenty of work needing to be done, Duke always found time to help neighbors. He constantly volunteered, assisting elderly or less able neighbors, while never asking for anything and always offering his time to listen and provide support.

After various jobs that included, the Washington D.C. Water Department and the Army National Guard, Duke became a police officer. He served faithfully with Washington Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), retiring in 1980 at the rank of Sergeant. Upon leaving MPD, Duke took his knowledge and experience to the Library of Congress Police Department. He served there with distinction and honor, mentoring others until retiring in 2000.

Living in Owings, Maryland, Duke settled into retirement which allowed him to do what he loved the most, spending time with family and being there for others. His greatest joys occurred doing the day-day ordinary things such as yard work, putting his grand-daughter on the school bus, or going to Walmart. He saw these moments as opportunities to make friends, be supporting or to just be kind and spread laughter. He made friends at restaurants, the landfill or wherever he found himself. His family often shook their heads at his eclectic collection of friends, but they always knew the sincerity of his heart. His wonderful sense of humor and self-efficacy were a combination that kept his children laughing and his wife rolling her eyes.

Duke is survived by his wife, Marjory Gael Dusseau, Children: Lorraine Dusseau, Daniel Dusseau and wife Denise, David Dusseau and wife Janet, Theresa Lackey and husband Brandon. Grandchildren include Eric Dusseau, Ryan Dusseau, Stephen Dusseau, and Rebecca Beckmann and husband Christopher Hall. Duke was preceded in death by his parents Angela and Doras and brother Tony.

Visitation will occur on June 30, 2022: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm at Lee Funeral Home Calvert: 8200 Jennifer Lane, Owings, MD 20736.

The funeral Mass will be at the Covenant Community of Jesus the Good Shepherd Church, 1601 W Mt. Harmony Road, Owings, MD 20736 on July 1, 2022, at 12:45 pm. Interment will follow at the Church Cemetery.

Please click on the link below to livestream the Funeral Mass.