Robert W. Duke
Robert W. Duke, 80, of Smock, Pa., was called to be with our Lord on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004, with his loving family by his side. A veteran of World War II, he received a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars.
He was the son of the late Henry and Anna Gidusko Duke. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a niece, Danette Felong Ritz.
He will be sadly missed by his devoted wife of 57 years, Antoinette Yanick Duke; his five children, Robert Jr., and his wife, Roseanne, Jane Wallace and her husband, Jim, Judy Zugay and her husband, Rob, Bill and his wife, Patty and Gary and his wife, Wendy; four grandchildren, Bobby Duke, Kristy Duke, Andrea Zugay Brown and her husband, Jason and Allison Wallace; a brother, Henry Duke Jr.; and sisters, Helaine Mesaros and Shirley Sellong.
Friends will be received in the SKIRPAN FUNERAL HOME, 135 Park St., Brownsville, Pa., on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m., where a blessing service will be held on Monday at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Fr. Vincent Gigliotti officiating. Interment will be in LaFayette Memorial Park. Full military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post 51 of Uniontown, Pa. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 546, c/o Commander John Kenes, 108 Wayside Dr., Uniontown, PA 15401. The Sons of Italy, Brownsville Lodge will meet on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.