Obituary for William Joseph Duke
William Joseph Duke, also known as Bill, was born in Pittsburgh, PA on 05/16/1934.The youngest child of the late Ethel Georgia (Richardson) Duke and the late Matthew James Duke.
William lived and worked most of his life in the East Liberty section of Pittsburgh, PA. He attended Peabody High School, until he left in tenth grade to go to work. William was a faithful employee of Pittsburgh Radiator Company for almost 40 years until it closed. He also worked at the Colonnade Restaurant in Greentree, PA for a few years until he retired. He would often do small extra jobs for his employers and neighbors if asked.
He married Blanche D. McLamb on May 22, 1954. They divorced on December 24, 1969. From this union was born six children: Mary Duke, William M. Duke, the late Leona Duke, Velma Minniefield (Lenny), Garry Duke Sr., Sherry Perkins (Gregory II).
William was very close to his siblings all of whom preceded him in death. James Duke (Amanda), Walter Duke (Marcella), Ethel King ( Andrew), Harry Duke (Irene);' and Clarence Duke (Barbara). William loved western movies, Elvis Presley movies and music. In his youth, he and his brother Clarence, would frequently spend their Saturday afternoons at one of the many movie theaters in East Liberty. Later in life, he would stay up late at night to catch an old favorite movie.
William was admitted to Highland Park Care Center February 2020, due to his declining health. He died at the age of 86, at UPMC Shadyside Hospital December 04, 2020, due to health complications.
He is survived by five of his children, ten grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren;, and four great great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is also survived by two sister in laws: Marcella Duke and Barbara Duke.
Thank you to all of those who loved and befriended William during his life. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all those who assisted William during his illness. Thank you to those who have extended their condolences and attended today.
William lived and worked most of his life in the East Liberty section of Pittsburgh, PA. He attended Peabody High School, until he left in tenth grade to go to work. William was a faithful employee of Pittsburgh Radiator Company for almost 40 years until it closed. He also worked at the Colonnade Restaurant in Greentree, PA for a few years until he retired. He would often do small extra jobs for his employers and neighbors if asked.
He married Blanche D. McLamb on May 22, 1954. They divorced on December 24, 1969. From this union was born six children: Mary Duke, William M. Duke, the late Leona Duke, Velma Minniefield (Lenny), Garry Duke Sr., Sherry Perkins (Gregory II).
William was very close to his siblings all of whom preceded him in death. James Duke (Amanda), Walter Duke (Marcella), Ethel King ( Andrew), Harry Duke (Irene);' and Clarence Duke (Barbara). William loved western movies, Elvis Presley movies and music. In his youth, he and his brother Clarence, would frequently spend their Saturday afternoons at one of the many movie theaters in East Liberty. Later in life, he would stay up late at night to catch an old favorite movie.
William was admitted to Highland Park Care Center February 2020, due to his declining health. He died at the age of 86, at UPMC Shadyside Hospital December 04, 2020, due to health complications.
He is survived by five of his children, ten grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren;, and four great great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is also survived by two sister in laws: Marcella Duke and Barbara Duke.
Thank you to all of those who loved and befriended William during his life. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all those who assisted William during his illness. Thank you to those who have extended their condolences and attended today.