Thomas E. Duncan Jr., United States Army Veteran, Mayor of Connellsville, Pennsylvania
Thomas E. Duncan Jr., 67, of Connellsville, Pa., passed away at home Christmas Day 2016 after a valiant battle with cancer surrounded by his wife and loving family.
Thomas was born on November 30, 1949 in Mount Pleasant, Pa., son of Thomas E. Duncan Sr. and Bertha P. (Stull) Duncan McClintock.
He was a life-long member of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church.
He graduated from Connellsville High School.
Thomas was part owner of one of the largest area propane dealerships in the region, Duncan Bottle Gas, family run and established in 1955.
Prior to joining the family business, Thomas served in the United States Army where he continued to proudly serve in the Reserve Unit retiring in 1993 after 25 years as Sergeant First Class -430 Battalion.
After serving two years as city councilman, Thomas was then elected as Mayor of Connellsville in 1984 and served three terms.
Tom’s political career included serving as Pennsylvania Chairman of League of Cities –Southwest District, and as State Democratic Committee Chairman. He was most proud of driving many projects for the City of Connellsville, including the establishment of the creation of Yough River Park, redevelopment of railroad property for business establishments, and the institution of a community crime watch that also included youth involvement. He was known for influencing collaboration across party lines for the benefit of the community.
Thomas proudly served as Lions of Pennsylvania Fellow, presented in 2015, as well as former District Chairman and lifelong member of the Eagles where he served as President for four terms.
He also was a member of the local Jaycees (where he was received the prestigious honor of “Man of the Year” award) and Elks 503.
Thomas formerly served as board member of the Big Brother and Big Sister Association of the Tri-State Area, as well as the Chairman of the Connellsville Redevelopment Authority.
Tom also created the Connellsville Festival Association and served as member of the Fayette Festival Association.
Tom was known to always place his business and community first, but was most proud of his grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed.
Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Maxine L. (Yakimick) Duncan; his sons: Christopher Robertucci and wife Kristin of Scottdale, Pa., Daniel Robertucci and wife Jill of Connellsville, daughters: Laura Hardik and husband Joseph of Connellsville, Anne Robertucci-Greenwood and husband Gary of Irwin, Pa., and Danielle Bigham-Puchi of Connellsville; brothers: James Duncan and wife Nancy of Connellsville, and Patrick Duncan and wife Lori of Connellsville his sister, Janie Holt and husband Timothy of Greensburg, Pa.; proud grandfather of Hayley, Austin, John, Olivia, Jacob, Noah, and Nolan; great-grandfather of Benjamin and Brody; lifelong friend of Harry Cochran; loving owner to “Jax” and “Miss Kitty”.
Friends will be received in the VITO C. MARTUCCI FUNERAL HOME, 123 South First Street, West Side, Connellsville (724.628.9033) today from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 12 Noon to 8 p.m.
A Blessing Service will be in the funeral home on Thursday at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church with Father Daniel J. Ulishney as Celebrant.
Interment will follow in Green Ridge Memorial Park, Pennsville, Pa.
Connellsville Lions Club No. 6290 will hold a ritual in funeral home Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
Full Military Rites and Honors will be accorded at the funeral home Thursday at 9:30 a.m. by members of American Legion Post 301 and 762, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 21.
In lieu of flowers, Tom’s family requests donations be made to: Connellsville Community Ministries, 110 West Crawford Avenue, Connellsville, PA 15425.
To sign the online Guest Registry, visit our website: www.martucci funeralhome.com