John ‘Dusty’ Destrampe

Dusty was born on March 25, 1946 to Earl and Mary Jane Destrampe in Escanaba, Michigan. After graduating from Escanaba High in 1964 as the most improved student, he went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the destroyer USS Fred T. Berry. He served in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1969.

After his service, he worked as a lineman and crew chief with Eastern Edison retiring in 2003. He enjoyed nearly 20 years of retirement with many hours spent fishing the coast of New England.

Dusty is survived by his two children and their spouses, Patrick and Melissa Destrampe of West Bridgewater and Michael Destrampe of Middleboro, Mass. He will be missed by his five grandchildren: Aiden, Colton, Brendan, Cameryn, and Luke. His partner of 12 years, Carmen Cardoza of Hanover, Mass. He is the brother of Cheryl Wellman and Frank Destrampe predeceased by Gerald, Dale, and Bobby Joe.

He was a determined man who worked many hours, especially during storms as a lineman to restore power. He was also a real estate investor and furniture builder, doing whatever it took to provide for his family.

John was an avid fisherman, hunter, woodworker, wood turner, dancer and traveler. He was quite crafty, creative and frugal and made many pieces of beautiful furniture, bowls and bangles out of discarded lumber or fallen trees. He would always say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. If you couldn’t find him in his house, out in the woods or on the boat, he was in his shop working away. He won numerous ribbons at craft fairs and art shows with his gorgeous bowls.

The family requests that all in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the VFW.