ORANGE, MA – Wayne Dominick Duda, 75, of Orange, Massachusetts, died Monday morning, June 15, 2026, at his home following a period of declining health.
Wayne was born on April 14, 1951, in Brattleboro, Vermont, the son of Dominick P. Duda and Marilyn Ruth (Whitney) Duda. He was raised in the Greenfield area and attended Greenfield schools.
A talented and hardworking craftsman, Wayne spent much of his life working in the building trades. He was a skilled carpenter whose expertise ranged from rough framing to fine finish work. Throughout his career, he was also known as a dependable handyman and maintenance professional. He dedicated many years of service to Greenfield Acres Senior Living, where his skills, reliability, and willingness to help others were greatly appreciated.
Wayne enjoyed the outdoors and especially loved fishing. He spent many happy hours on the waters of the Quabbin Reservoir and Lake Mattawa and enjoyed shore fishing on Cape Cod. Gardening was another favorite pastime, and he took pride in cultivating and caring for his gardens.
In his younger years, Wayne was one of the original members of the Brotherhood of the Spirit, a communal living group that began in a treehouse in a blueberry field in Leyden, Massachusetts. The experience reflected his adventurous spirit and his appreciation for community and friendship.
Wayne was predeceased by his father, Dominick P. Duda, who died on April 13, 2009; his mother, Marilyn Ruth (Whitney) Duda, who died on April 4, 2023; his sister, Shirley J. (Duda) Arms, who died on November 20, 2004; his brother, Daniel P. Duda, who died on February 16, 2017; and his second wife, Susan Seam, who died on June 19, 2023.
He leaves his sister, Dorothy A. Frye and her husband, David, of Orange; his sons, Joshua Duda and his wife, Jennifer, of Sunapee, New Hampshire, and Cory Duda and his wife, Amy, of Wilder, Vermont; his stepdaughters, Tina Bridges and her partner, John Woronecki, of Granby, Connecticut and Crystal Gilsinger and her husband, Michael, of Springfield; his grandchildren, Sage Duda of Sunapee, New Hampshire, Celeste Duda of San Diego, California, Cedar Duda of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Lillian Duda of Topsham, Vermont; his step-grandchildren, Ryan Emond of Orange, Kyle Vieira of Ashfield, Stephanie Gilsinger of Springfield, and Joshua Ouellette of Manchester, Connecticut; as well as many nieces, nephews, a grandniece, and grandnephews who affectionately knew him as “Uncle Dude.”
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Catholic Charities for their care and support, and to Earl Johnson, Shannon Crosby, Jeff Mosher and Linda Mosher for their friendship, kindness, and assistance. Their compassion and generosity will always be remembered and appreciated. In addition, his sister, Dorothy, sincerely thanks the Town of Orange first responders for their compassion, care, and skilled response during a difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Wayne’s memory by making a monetary donation to the Orange Food Bank, 81 East River Street, Orange, MA 01364.
Funeral services and burial arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
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