Frank R. Duca Jr.
SOUTH PORTLAND – Frank R. Duca Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family and his dog, Lucy, on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Frank was welcomed into the world by his parents, Frank D. Duca Sr. and Mary F. Duca, where he grew up alongside his siblings. He spent his later childhood in Cape Elizabeth – a place that shaped the person he would become. It was there that he met his best friend, Chris Wagner, beginning a friendship that would last a lifetime. During this time, he also worked as a trail guide at Judy Anne’s Riding Stable, which he found very rewarding.
As a young man, Frank found his professional calling in the drywall trade. For 42 years, he dedicated himself to Wagner Drywall with exceptional leadership, work ethic, quiet pride, and unwavering reliability. Frank was immensely proud of the many construction projects he led including Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Cabelas, Costco and many schools throughout Maine. But his favorite and most important project will always be his familial home in South Portland. Through his craftsmanship, he built a reputation rooted in integrity, skill, and steadfast commitment. Frank was a proud American who always supported the Veterans, while he took great pride in his work and his personal beliefs, his deepest devotion always was to his family.
Frank leaves behind his beloved wife, Kathy, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, partnership, and cherished memories. Together, they built a home filled with warmth and raised three children who were the pride of his life. Frank loved watching his family grow. Frank is survived by his wife of 41 years Kathy Duca, his children Frankie R. Duca III and his wife Lindsey, Greg Duca and his wife Amanda, and Rachael (Duca) Rapp and her husband Anthony. His heart was fullest when he was with his grandchildren Hunter, Bruin, Avery, Alice and Walter, each of whom brought him boundless joy and a happiness that always shone through in his smile. Frank is survived by his mother Mary F. Duca, his siblings Steven Duca (Leanne), Mark Duca (Deb) and Leanne (Duca) Farnkoff (Tom) as well as many nieces and nephews. Frank was so proud of his large and beautiful family.
He coached his sons in baseball and never once missed a dance recital for his daughter. Whether grilling at a cookout, preparing Sunday dinner, or cooking his world-famous meatballs, Frank had a way of bringing people together. His talents as a cook and grillmaster were legendary within his family.
Some of the family’s most treasured memories are of the annual boys camping trip to Mt. Blue State Park where they would always hike Tumbledown Mt., afternoons on Richmond Island, and gatherings that were always filled with his warmth, humor, and steady presence. His favorite time of year outside of the holidays was his family’s annual summer camp trip to enjoy the lakes and mountains of Maine. Frank leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, kindness, and unwavering dedication. His family takes comfort in knowing he lived a life full of purpose and heart and that they were the center of it. He will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever.
We would like to thank all his care providers at Maine Medical Center, it was through their efforts we were able to have Frank be at home in his final moments.
Frank’s life will be honored and celebrated on Dec. 6, 2025, at North 43 Bistro in South Portland, Maine, where an open-house gathering will be held from 12–4 p.m. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend.
Condolences may be expressed online at http://www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can go to Barbara Bush Medical Center as Frank was proud of all the work he did there throughout his career.