Richard G. Duke

Richard George Duke, aged 71, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, passed away on January 18, 2025. Born on June 18, 1953, in Medford, Massachusetts, Richard will be fondly remembered for his steadfast devotion to family and friends, his remarkable storytelling, and his unwavering loyalty.

Raised in Medford, Rich was a dynamic neighborhood kid, playing street football and establishing enduring friendships and local connections that spanned decades. He graduated from Medford High School in 1972 and dabbled in many different trades including house painting, security, landscaping, home renovation, and appliance repair. He was a true jack-of-all-trades when it came to troubleshooting and fixing things. Richard earned an associate’s degree in biomedical engineering from Bunker Hill Community College. Subsequently, Richard dedicated many years to the Biomedical Engineering Department at Massachusetts General Hospital. He was known and loved by many throughout MGH, as he was constantly in and out of units with a twinkling smile and fix for whatever machine was broken.

As a devoted parent and husband, Richard was deeply involved in his children's lives, contributing to school projects and participating in Boy Scouts, while also ensuring they made it to countless sports practices. A lively participant in the Patriots Day Parade in Arlington, Massachusetts, he dressed up every year in a different costume and loved making kids laugh. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus of Arlington, and after relocating to Middleton, Massachusetts, he played a pivotal role in revitalizing a dormant chapter of the Knights of Columbus at St. Agnes Parish. He took particular pride in his contributions to the pancake breakfasts following Sunday mass.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Richard was a long-time supporter of New England sports, particularly the Boston Bruins, for whom he maintained season tickets at the old Boston Garden for many years. He was an ardent NASCAR fan and enjoyed riding his bike within and around the Boston area.

Rich profoundly valued familial relationships and friendships, taking pride in his loyalty to his communities and the cherished traditions that strengthened them. Richard never turned his back on a friend. He had humor and wit, and endless idioms and sayings to accompany almost any life situation. He was a compassionate listener and a source of guidance, caring deeply about the well-being of those around him. He had a strong internal sense of justice and was not afraid to stick up for what he thought was fair. He was observant of people and of the world around him. He stuck to his word. He had endless stories and adventures to share; he was a true collector of life’s little wisdoms as well as hard truths.

Richard is survived by his son, Kevin M. Duke of Middleton, Massachusetts, along with his stepchildren: Stephen J. Kallock and partner Kimberly Wannaphong of Middleton, MA, and Mary C. Kallock of Middleton, MA. He was predeceased by his stepdaughter, Sara M. Kallock of Somerville, MA (deceased July 1, 2024). He also leaves behind his former wife, Maria Duke (née Smith) of Middleton, MA.

A caring brother, Rich is survived by his siblings: John C. Duke and wife Laura Duke of Gardner, MA (née Schulist); George C. Duke Jr. and late wife Catherine Duke of Plymouth, MA (née Sullivan, deceased April 10, 2020); and Margaret T. Wells (née Duke) and husband Ralph Wells of Burlington, MA. He was predeceased by his brother, Michael P. Duke of Medford, MA (deceased July 1, 1982). He leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, whom he cherished and valued being a part of their upbringing.

Richard joins his beloved parents, George C. Duke Sr. (deceased May 17, 2003) and Mary H. Duke (née McCarron, deceased November 8, 2002), in eternal rest

Richard was a consistent donor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, as chronically and terminally ill children were an especially important cause to him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s name to St. Jude, or to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, in honor of his stepdaughter, Sara Kallock.

A Funeral Mass in memory of Richard will be held at St. Agnes Parish in Middleton, MA, on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 12:30 PM. Thereafter, he will be laid to rest at Oakdale Cemetery in Middleton, MA. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of a wake, a memorial celebration and luncheon in honor of Rich will follow immediately after the burial on Monday January 27th, commencing at 2:30 PM until 7 PM at Magia Restaurant in Danvers, MA. All friends and family are invited to gather and share cherished memories of Rich.

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