Henry William Duke, Jr.

Henry William Duke, Jr., age 64, Brownsville, PA, was called to the Lord on Tuesday, September 19, 2006. He fought a brave battle against cancer for over two years. He passed away in Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg, PA.

He was born February 7, 1942 in Brier Hill, PA and was raised in Royal, PA. He was the youngest son of the late Henry William, Sr. and Anna Gidusko Duke. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister Helane Mesaros, brother Robert Duke, two nieces and his faithful dog, Max.

Henry was a member of St. Hedwig Church, Smock, PA. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corp., he also served his community as a police officer in both Redstone and Jefferson Townships.

He was a very dedicated Ham Radio Operator and his call sign was KE3RS. He was also a member of the Country Cousins - a Ham Radio Group who he checked in with every evening.

In his younger days he was a drummer for a rock and roll band called The Rockin Rebels. He was an excellent self taught musician and could play any instrument just by picking it up. His family sing-a-longs will be missed.

"Henry", "Hank", "Jr," - as he was known to his family and friends was a former employee of Gateway Coal Company as a welder/electrician. He was a member of the United Mine Workers Local 6330.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed this special time with his children and grand"babies". He also loved to spend time with his good friend and neighbor Joe Ross. To those who knew Henry, knew he loved nothing more than his three grand"babies" and his family. He was a familyman and a handyman that was happy to always be on duty. He had a heart of gold and was always willing to help anyone....rain or shine. He made this world a better place and will be sadly missed by those whom he touched. Thank God for the 64 years of love and laughter.

He will be sadly missed by his wife of 44 years, Carolyn Punjock Duke, 2 sons Gregory Duke and wife Rae Lynn, Carmichaels, PA and Michael Duke and wife Terry, Chalk Hill, PA; daughter Jennifer Petroff and husband Joe, Jr., Brownsville, PA; 3 grandchildren Talen Duke, Jordan Duke and Kendall Duke; sister Shirley Sellong, Chestnut Ridge, PA and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received in the NOVAK FUNERAL HOME 515 Front St. Brownsville, PA Thursday, September 21, 2006 from 2 - 9 pm and Friday, September 22, 2006 until 9:30am, when prayer services will be held. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am at St. Hedwig Church, Smock, PA with the Rev. Father John Sedlak as celebrant. The Rosary Confraternity will pray the partner parish rosary Thursday at 7:30pm in the funeral home, followed by a Vigil Service at 8:30pm.

Entombment will follow at Lafayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill, PA. Full military honors will be accorded by American Legion Posts# 940, 175, 838 and 295.

In lieu of flowers, the Duke family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society Research Foundation in memory of Henry Duke, 320 Bilmar Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205

To sign the on line guest book or to record a personal condolence, please log on to www.novakfuneralhome.net.

 Service Information