John R. Duskey

  John R. Duskey, also known as Mr. Bell Telephone, 86, of Washington, passed away on July 23, 2018, at his home.  The youngest of three, he was born on July 13, 1932, in Washington, PA, to the late John J. and Mildred (Staniszewski) Duskey.  He graduated in 1949 from Washington High school, then proudly served his country, during the Korean War, in the US Air Force until 1952.  He went on to complete courses in Community & Economic Development at Penn State Harrisburg, and on February 4, 1955, he married Betty June (Sweitzer), and started a beautiful family.  After 43 years, he retired from Bell Atlantic as Director of Public Affairs.  Before that he had worked at Duncan Miller Glass & Hazel Atlas.   John and Betty raised their three children in the Third United Presbyterian Church of Washington (now known as New Hope Church), and served in many capacities to show God’s love to the members of the church and the community in which they served.  His passion for nature and hunting assisted him in receiving multiple awards including, PA Game Commission Hunter Education Award and Outstanding Instructor Award after serving as coordinator of Hunter Safety Education for the PA Game Commission, many rewarding years as a Hunter Education Instructor for Washington County, and the founder of the Washington County Youth Conservation Camp.   His love for education and enjoyment did not stop at hunting.  He was a part of the Trinity School Board, and was field announcer for Trinity High Football games & band competition, as well as W&J Presidents Football Team.  His true sports passion though was baseball, evident through his years of service and dedication to Boy’s Baseball and World Series Tournaments.  He fondly remembered over the years being the chairman of both the Bronco & Pony World Series, and his induction to the PA Sports Hall of Fame in 1997 for Washington/Greene County.  His legacy with Pony League will live on at the John Duskey Concession Stand. He was a proud member of Sunset Lodge No. 623 F&AM for over 50 years, the Lions Club, multiple boards, chambers of commerce, and associations in the Tri-County area.  He utilized his education and career background to serve as Chairman of Washington County Manufactures Association.  As a founding board member of the Washington County Community Foundation, he established the foundations first permanent fund.  The John R. Duskey endowment fund was created to assist organizations in creating their own legacy of volunteer service. His dedication to serving the community lead to various legislative proclamations and other group recognitions and awards including Eagle Merit Award, the Clyde Tracanna United Way of Washington’s Volunteer of the Year Award, Washington County Council on Economic Development Lifetime Achievement Award, Washington Jaycees Man of the Year award, Pittsburgh Pirates Community Night Award, Lions International President’s Award, the Roy Gillespie Community Award from the Washington Rotary Club, and was a participant in the 1984 Olympic Torch Run.   Mr. Duskey taught his children, through example, the importance of combining your knowledge and passion, with dedication and compassion to serve the community.  His legacy will live on throughout the generations of his family.   He is survived by his son, David (Faith) Duskey, of Camp Hill, PA; daughter Vicky (Richard) Brogden, of Galloway, NJ; six granddaughters, Erin (Rey Dexter) Gagabuan, of Wormleysburg, PA, Brittany (Samuel) Bennett, of Windsor Mill, MD, Ashly & Katy Duskey, of Camp Hill, PA, Brielle & Erica Britko, of Galloway, NJ; two great grandchildren, Felix Alan Gagabuan and Scarlett Bennett; and sister-in-law Mrs. Stanley (Stella) Duskey.   In addition to his parents, Mr. Duskey is proceeded in death by his wives, Betty June and Romaine C. Grable, sister, Josephine Turczynski, brother, Stanley Duskey, son, Donald Duskey, and great grandson, Gideon Andrew Gagabuan.   Friends will be received on Friday, July 27, 2018, from 6 until 8 p.m., in the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington, PA, where additional visitation will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018, from 10 until 11:00 a.m., the time of services with Pastor Kevin Montgomery officiating.  A Masonic service will be held immediately prior to the 11:00 a.m. service.  A Lions Club service will be held in the funeral home at 7:00 p.m., Friday, July 27, 2018.   Burial will follow in the Washington Cemetery.  Military Rites will be accorded graveside by the Claysville American Legion Post 639.       In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to the John R Duskey Fund or PONY Baseball, Inc. through the Washington County Community Foundation, to continue his legacy of passion and dedication to the community. Make checks payable to the Washington County Community Foundation, and mail to, 1253 Route 519, P.O. Box 308, Eighty-Four, PA 15330.  Reference John R. Duskey or Pony Baseball fund in the memo line of your check. You may also go to the website www.wccf.net to donate.   Additional information and guestbook are available on line at www.NealFuneralHome.com.