RUMFORD – Peter A. Duguay, 55, a resident of the Rumford Community Home for the past four months and formerly of Osgood Avenue in Mexico, passed away peacefully from ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, on Tuesday, Feb. 20, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Rumford on Sept. 10, 1951, the son of Arthur and Jeannette (Touchette) Duguay.

He attended school in Roxbury and Rumford, graduating from Mexico High School with the Class of 1969.

He also attended Bliss College in Lewiston for two years.

On May 7, 1988, he married Jeanie Cox at the Mexico Congregational Church in Mexico.

He had a natural talent for cooking. He worked at Luiggi’s Pizzeria in Lewiston for 10 years.

For more than five years, he worked as a cook at the Riverside Restaurant in Mexico and the Deluxe Diner in Rumford, for John DeSalle and Faylene Austin.

He jumped at the opportunity to buy the Deluxe Diner in 1987, and remained devoted to his business until 2004, when he was diagnosed with ALS.

An avid horse racing fan, he loved spending time at the racetrack.

He was very devoted to his family, always putting them first. He loved spending time with them and was very proud of their accomplishments.

Peter is survived by his wife of 18 years, Jeanie of Mexico; two daughters, Amber Duguay and Ashley Duguay of Mexico; one son, John Cox of Hebron; his mother-in-law, Midell Garneau of Peru; a stepfather, Albert Zale of Roxbury; brothers, Arthur Duguay and his companion, Gerri, of Scarborough and Albert Zale Jr. of Roxbury; sisters-in-law, Paula Martin and husband, John, of Rumford, Avis Richard and companion, Junior Belskis, of Mexico, Doris Lothrop and her companion, Mike, of Kittery, and Nancy Garneau of North Carolina; many near and dear nieces and nephews, and wonderful friends he made through the diner.

He was predeceased by his parents; an infant sister, Diane; his father-in-law, John Garneau; and a brother-in-law, Paul Garneau.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kreckel, Dr. Muscat, and the very dedicated and caring staff at the Rumford Community Home and Androscoggin Home Hospice, especially Laura, Tammy and Wendy for their genuine compassion and outstanding care of Peter.