Douglas M. Duval, 71, of Bristol, beloved husband of Carol (Foley) Duval, died on Tuesday, April 5, at home after a bravely fought battle with cancer. Doug was born in Bristol on Aug. 8, 1950, and was one of six children of the late George and Jeanne (Laurendeau) Duval.
In addition to his wife of 51 years, Doug is survived by daughter Cynthia Latko and son-in-law Steven Skurtowicz of Hebron; son Michael Duval and daughter-in-law Allison Duval of Bristol; three siblings: Thomas Duval of Bristol, Clifford Duval and his wife Debbie of Vermont, and Georgine Wilson and her husband Michael of Vermont; six grandchildren: Eric Latko, Hayleigh Latko and her boyfriend Tommy, and Brooke Latko and her boyfriend Nevin, Abby, Nathan, and Matthew Duval; brothers-in-law, Robert and James Foley of Florida, and sister-in-law Patricia Markeveys of Bristol; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters: Lillian Levesque and Janice Gilbert.
A lifelong Bristol resident, Doug graduated from Bristol Central High School. He retired as a mechanic from the City of Bristol Parks Department where he worked for 37 years. Doug loved spending his summers at his Cape Cod home with friends and family where he would float in the bay, reread a Joseph Lincoln novel or treat himself to fried clams at Arnold’s.
In the winter, Doug enjoyed spending time in Florida with Carol visiting with their friends, sitting in the sun at the beach or by the pool. He liked drag races, doing crossword puzzles with a cup of coffee and taking a nap. He made the best meatballs and baked beans. Always tinkering, Doug would rather work on a lawn mower than mow the lawn. He earned his nick name “Do-It-All-Duval” for his ability to fix anything, sometimes over the phone. He refused to throw away a single bolt.
“Pop-pop” will be greatly missed by his grandchildren who were blessed with his wild bedtime stories. Most of all, Doug could find the joke in any situation. He seldom held back yet never offended. His instant wit will most certainly be missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, on Wednesday, April 13, between 5 and 7 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
Please visit Doug’s memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.