Dennis “Duke” is part of a long line of Dutrembles who have created a strong legacy of community service for Biddeford.  A defining moment was the 1932 murder of his police officer grandfather. His father surmounted the limits this tragedy placed on the family to become a deeply respected community leader.  Influenced by his father and a close-knit family, Duke built a reputation from star high school athlete to a career as a committed high school coach and teacher.  Despite a serious health issue at the age of 39, Duke also served in the State legislature for 16 years to include election as Senate President.

He describes how he lived those roles as public service vs politics. He is a co-founder of La Kermesse.

Duke and Dorothy, his wife of 58 years, have two grown children. 

Duke expresses how proud he is of Biddeford and its ability to have risen above tough times.  While not seeking recognition, he expressed how touched he was to be named to the 2024 Biddeford Hall of Honor. 

DENNIS "DUKE" DUTREMBLE

INTERVIEW DETAILS

Date of Interview: December 13, 2025

Location:  Dutremble residence, Biddeford, Maine 

Interviewer:  Tom Girard 

Transcriber:  Nicole Morin-Scribner

SELECTED INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

  • Deeply rooted in Franco-American heritage 
  • Cherished time on maternal family farm in New Hampshire 
  • Details of the tragic story of his grandfather’s murder in the line of duty as a police officer
  • Role they all played in the family “mom and pop” grocery store
  • Father: athlete, business owner, Mayor, County Commissioner and why his nickname is “Babe”
  • Close bond of his brothers and the role of sports
  • Painting a picture of life in the 50s and 60s: St Joseph & St Louis High School stories, Coach Bob Cote, downtown, TV shows, Mayfield, snowshoe clubs, church, game highlights and local icons.
  • Personal recollections from significant events: Hooper Street fire, Grafton Lumber fire, Kennedy assassinations, explosion of York County Biscuit Company
  • Love for teaching & 28 years at Thornton Academy
  • Stories from his interactions with countless political figures: Governor Ken Curtis, Rep Peter Kyros, Bobby Kennedy, Ed Muskie, Bill Hathaway, Bill Cohen, Olympia Snowe, Jock McKernan, Ted Kennedy, Walter Mondale. Getting a call from President Carter. 

DEMOGRAPHICS

Birthplace:  Biddeford, Maine 

Education: St. Louis High School, Biddeford; University of Maine, Farmington; University of Maine-Graduate work

Ethnic Identification:  Franco-American