Donald John Duke

Donald John Duke, 84, formerly of Washington, and residing in Cumberland, Maryland, the last two years with his daughter, passed away Saturday, August 21, 2010, surrounded by his family at the home of his daughter. Born February 16, 1926, in Washington, he was the son of the late George Martin Duke and Hilda Marie Ruetschi Duke. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Clarlew (Snyder) Duke; and four brothers, Wayne, Chester, Elmer and an infant brother, George Duke. Mr. Duke served with the Army, 749th Military Police Battalion, during World War II. For his service he was awarded the Meritorious Service Unit Plaque, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was discharged June 30, 1946, with a rank of sergeant. Mr. Duke retired as manager of Mellon Bank in Washington. After retirement, he was well known in the Washington area for his artistically decorated cakes for special occasions. Also, he was the director of the singers and dancers at Washington Area Senior Citizens’ Center for more than ten years. Mr. Duke is survived by two daughters, Donnice Kovach and her husband, Timothy, of Washington, and Clarilee Annonio and her husband, Donald, of Cumberland, Maryland; a son, Jay Duke and his wife, Marcella, of Greensburg; a sister, Hilda “Duke” Kudaroski of Washington; two grandchildren, Donald Louis Annonio, III of Cumberland, Maryland and Hillary A. Annonio of Morgantown, West Virginia; and a great-grandson, Donald Louie Annonio, IV, of Cumberland. Mr. Duke loved his family, music, having fun and making others laugh. He lived by the three “C’s,” never criticize, condemn or complain. He never had a bad or angry word to say and he loved living every day. Friends will be received Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to Noon, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. A funeral service will be conducted at Faith United Presbyterian Church at 1 p.m., Friday, August 27th, with Elder Linda Webster officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded graveside by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, UPMC Montefiore, 4th Floor, Suite 421, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2582