David C. Duke

David C. Duke

BARRE TOWN – The world lost an exceptional and precious human being, David C. Duke, 92, on Sunday, August 11, 2024. He joined the love of his life, Claire (Laferriere) Duke, in heaven only eight months after her passing. The depth of our sadness in losing him is outweighed by the joy that they are together again.

Born in Hardwick, Vermont on February 15, 1932, he was the son of Horace Duke Sr. and Hildred (Proper) Meyers. He grew up in East Calais where he enjoyed the novelty of their family farm and watching his father operate his mill business. He had the unique and special experience of being taught throughout grade school by his loving mother in a one-room schoolhouse.

After graduating from Spaulding High School in 1950, David launched his banking career by becoming a teller at Peoples National Bank of Barre for two years before joining the United States Air Force in 1952. Rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant, he was stationed in Germany for three years, serving as a Russian Language & Personnel Specialist where he intercepted (and translated) code during the Korean War. He was also on the staff of the Boy Scout summer program for children of military personnel. He often recalled fond memories of his time in the service, citing the challenge of his duties, camaraderie with his fellow airmen, and opportunity to explore the world. One of his most prized possessions was a photograph he took and framed (in large format) of the famous Neuschwanstein castle in Hohenschwangau.

Following his time in the service, David returned to Peoples National Bank in 1956, where he steadily took on more responsibilities and graduated from Vermont-New Hampshire School of Banking as well as Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University. In 1973, as Vice President and Regional Branch Administrator, he steered the merger of Peoples National Bank with First Vermont Bank & Trust Company. He then spearheaded another merger in 1989 between First Vermont Bank and Bank of Vermont, retiring from the latter in 1994. (Despite all the mergers, he always worked at the same location, now home to Cornerstone Pub & Kitchen. Displayed proudly above the bar is a Peoples National Bank sign that was gifted by him and Claire.) Even decades later, people would stop him in the grocery store to thank him for helping them secure loans for their companies over the years. All echoed the same sentiment, “Thank you, David, for giving me a chance to grow my business and be successful.”

Believing strongly that one should give back to their community, David served in leadership positions for such organizations as: Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce (president); Building a Better Barre, Inc. (president); Greater Barre Jaycees (president); Central Vermont Medical Center (assistant treasurer); Alderman, City of Barre; Northern New England AAA; Barre Town School Study Committee (chairman); and Barre Lions Club.

After he retired from banking, Claire invited David to join her firm, Berg, Carmolli, and Kent Real Estate. As the co-owner, vice president, treasurer, and broker, he tackled everything from office management duties to technology upgrades, to advertising, and taxes. His steady guidance and unflappable disposition helped the firm thrive while simultaneously helping Claire enjoy peace of mind that their company was always on track for success. In 2002, they sold the business and later launched Claire Duke Real Estate.

David and Claire enjoyed an incredible 65 years of marriage, with Claire describing David as her “love and best friend.” She used to tell people that he was the “only man I ever broke a date with the girls for.” They were a true team, from parenting to business, to dancing…yes, dancing. They were so smooth on the dance floor that people would go out of their way to compliment them. They even (unintentionally) upstaged a few newlyweds at their own weddings with their polished footwork. Their children joked they were the inspiration for Dancing with the Stars, to which David would respond in his usual dry, understated way, “…but without the fame and money.”

If Claire was the light of the Duke family fueled by her soaring spirit, David was the foundation with his unwavering love, steadfast guidance, and we-can-always-count-on-you-Dad support for his children. He was Mr. Mom long before the movie came out or society’s perceptions of a husband’s role had evolved; cooking, cleaning, doing laundry; driving his children to games and events. Self-assured, he didn’t need to act tough, nor pretend to be something he wasn’t. Instead, he demonstrated to his family, peers, and strangers, how to be generous and compassionate to others without judgment, strong without ever raising his voice, and loving by hugging his wife and children every day that he could. We are all profoundly better human beings having experienced his impact.

David is survived by his six children and their spouses/partners, plus one: sons Douglas; Brian and Kathy; Gary and Mike Fila; and Kenneth and Tina. Daughters Ellen and Jeff Richards, and Susan Duke and Judy Beaulac. Also, a special friend of the family, Sheila and Richard Grisard. Additionally, he leaves behind his beloved four brothers: Horace Jr. and Helen; Charles and Nancy; Stuart; and Stevie. Surviving also are his brother-in-law Leo and Mary Elizabeth Laferriere, and sister-in-law Lorraine D’Amico. He was adored by his grandchildren:  Jordan, Jesse, Tanner and Tracen Duke; Jessica Vest; Josh Richards; and Emily Richards. Also, great-grandfather to Jasmine and Spencer Sayah; Oliver and Maximus Vest; and Zayn Duke. He leaves behind several nieces and nephews: Heather Duke; John and Peg Duke; Holly Jean Duke; Geoff and Heidi Duke; Rebeccah Duke; Meg and Tom Horrocks; Lynn and Kyle Madigan; Jonathan D’Amico; and Sister Marie Amata.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life service being held on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre, followed by the burial at Maplewood Cemetery, 246 Farwell Street, in Barre.

Cards may be mailed to PO Box 904, Barre, VT  05641.

While flowers are welcome, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Barre Area Senior Center, 131 South Main St. #4, Barre, VT 05641, and Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice, 600 Granger Rd., Barre, VT 05641.