Dennis Duke

Dennis Duke 83 of Republic died Sunday October 11, 2020 at his residence surrounded by his loving family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born March 15, 1937 in Rosedale, PA, the son of John P. and Margaret Cvengros Duke.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter, Kimberly Duke and a brother, Benedict A. Duke.

Dennis was a 1955 graduate of Redstone High School and was a member of many clubs where he enjoyed playing cards, shooting and just good old fashion socializing with his friends. He was a member of St Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy assigned as an electrician on the maiden voyage of the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. 

Major Duke as he was affectionately called, retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Correction. He started his career at SCI Pittsburgh as a Corrections Officer and retired as Major of the Guard from SCI Greene. He also worked at SCI Greensburg and Waynesburg over his 32 year career. 

He was an avid outdoorsman who in the spring and summer enjoyed fishing, playing golf, grass cutting, gardening and trap shooting. In the fall and winter it was hunting, bowling , painting canvas prints and making muzzleloaders. He had a hobby for every season. He enjoyed simple things, morning coffee and cross word puzzles with his wife, evening conversations with his daughter but he got the most enjoyment out of watching his grandchildren compete in any sport weather it was a running track, a gym floor, baseball diamond or football field, Denny could always be found watching those events very intently no matter when and where they were held.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 55 years who he married January 23, 1965, Dolores (Honeygirl) Bizik Duke; son, John P. Duke of Republic; daughter, Lisa Duke of New Salem; beloved granddaughter, Madison P. Duke; grandson, John P. Duke II; aunt, Elizabeth Duke; many special brothers and sisters  in law, nephews nieces and cousins.

Denny's family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 from 2-8 PM. at the Kish Fabry Funeral Home, Inc., 19 Legion Street, Republic, PA where Prayers of Transfer will be prayed at 9:00 A.M. on Wednesday October 14, 2020 followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:30 AM at St. Francis of Assisi R. C. Church (Footedale Worship Center) with Father Thumma Fathimareddy as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Lafayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill, PA, where full military rights and honors will be accorded by the AMVETS Post 103 of Hopwood.