Richard Joseph Pierre Ducas

Richard Joseph Pierre Ducas

Born: May 28, 1956, in Montreal, Quebec, Died: March 6, 2025, in Lighthouse Point, Florida

Richard Joseph Pierre Ducas, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on March 6, 2025 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on May 28, 1956, in Montreal, Quebec, Richard was the son of Madeleine Ducas (née Langlois) and Rodrigue Ducas. He grew up in a lively, two-family brick house with his siblings Lucie Miller, John Ducas, Linda Ducas, Mario Ducas, and Regent Ducas. The boys would charge neighborhood girls a nickel for a kiss, and in the winter the kids would pour water over the driveway, wait for it to freeze, and play hockey.

In 1970, Richard's family moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where his father started Panther Electric. Richard attended Stranahan High School and joined his father at Panther Electric, working as an electrician alongside his brothers Mario and John. When his father passed away in 2002, Richard continued to work with Mario, and for various other companies, until his retirement. Over the course of his career, Richard brought power to residents and communities all across South Florida, whether it was to a family’s first home, a snowbird’s luxury RV, or a festive backyard tiki hut.

Richard was known for his vibrant personality, always ready with a story or a tall tale. He was the type of guy you could talk and laugh with endlessly, whether you knew him for years or just happened to sit next to him at the bar. Richard was a boisterous presence at family gatherings; and he was a doting, at times anxious, but always loving father, endlessly proud of his children’s accomplishments. He was especially supportive of his son, James, and for many years Richard coached James and countless other children with special needs through the Challenger Baseball program. Richard was passionate in support of his causes, whether it was the Miami Dolphins or politics; and his friends were friends for a lifetime. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Richard is survived by his wife, Tina Toepfer; his children, Andrea Ducas (Patrick Toussaint) and James Ducas; his grandchild, James Ducas-Toussaint; his first wife, Debra Ducas; his siblings and their spouses (Jim Miller, Paule Ducas, and Pamela Ducas); and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Richard's legacy of love, laughter, and dedication to his family and community will be cherished forever.

A funeral mass and services will be held at Our Lady Queen of Heaven in North Lauderdale on Friday, March 28th at 1:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial donations to Special Olympics Broward County or the Florida Democratic Party.