Edmund Duke, 92, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away peacefully on February 28, 2023, at home under the loving care of his daughters. Born in La Grange, GA, he was the son of the late John A. (late Mary) Duke and Erma (nee Barton) Duke.
Edmund moved to Wedowee, AL as a young child and enlisted in the United States Navy on February 21, 1950, during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1953 and was presented with the Navy Occupation Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal for his dedicated service.
Following his discharge, Ed settled in Niagara Falls, where he married his beloved wife, Shirley (Folland) Duke in 1955. Shirley predeceased him in 2017, after 62 loving years together.
Edmund was employed by Bell Aerospace/Textron for 23 years and later retired from Moog Inc. He was a longtime member and Trustee of St. James United Methodist Church, and also served as secretary of the LaSalle Sportsman’s Club. In addition, Edmund took great pride in volunteering his time to Meals on Wheels.
Edmund was an avid golfer and enjoyed bowling in his younger years. He was a jack of all trades and was able to fix anything and everything. Above all, Mr. Duke centered his life around his family who will miss him dearly.
Edmund is survived by his children, Linda (Jerry Routhier) Duke, JoAnn (Terry) Manning, Terry (Paul) Bolea and Patty Clark; his grandchildren, Lindsey Manning, Taylor (Samir) Saadoune, Terry (Rachael) Manning II, Matthew Manning, Natalie (fiancé Joe Mundier) Manning, Corinne (David) Tighe, Matthew (Allina) Bolea, Courtney Clark and Brianne (Ian) Schultz; his great-grandchildren, Madison Joyce, Colton Manning, Zayn Saadoune, Ophelia Saadoune, Vienna Tighe, Duke Tighe, Rocco Tighe, Giorgio Bolea and Luca Schultz; his sister, Nancy (Richard) Schaffer, as well as many nieces and nephews. Edmund was also predeceased by his brothers, Don Duke and Carey (late Rita) Duke.
Visitation will be on Friday, March 3 from 4 – 8 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. Edmund’s funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM in St. James United Methodist Church, 4661 Porter Road, Niagara Falls, NY. Interment will follow in N.F. Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial offerings may be made to the St. James United Methodist Church. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
