John Elwood Duke, Jr., age 76, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away unexpectedly at the Chambersburg Hospital on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. Born in Chambersburg, PA on March 7, 1948, he was the son of the late John E. and Bertha Mowen Duke.
Mr. Duke was a 1966 graduate of the Chambersburg Area Senior High School. He went on to serve honorably in the U.S. Army and then in the Army reserves, where he later retired. He was employed at the Letterkenny Army Depot for over 35 years, lastly working as a Production Controller and retiring in 1999. In his retirement, he worked for many years for Buchanan Auto Parts. John dedicated countless hours to his community, serving as a local firefighter and through the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Fireman’s Association. He was a member of the Cumberland Valley Model Railroad Club, the Cumberland Valley Railroad Club, the Train Collectors Association, and the Letterkenny Rod and Gun Club. John cherished time with his family, especially attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. He also enjoyed trains, coin collecting, attending auctions, and playing pinochle. Known to have an infectious smile and a contagious laugh, John could light up a room.
Surviving is his beloved wife of 53 years, Rita Brindle Duke, whom he married on November 14, 1971, four children, Elizabeth R. Boyanowski (John) of Shippensburg, PA, Michelle A. Rebok (Jeremy) of Chambersburg, PA, Nicholas J. Duke (Megan) of Chambersburg, PA, and Monica A. Heinbaugh (Bradley) of Chambersburg, PA; six grandchildren, Landon and Atley Rebok, Madison and Harper Duke, and Jaxson and Abel Heinbaugh; and a cousin, William Duke.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 1 PM in the chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Falling Spring Rd., Chambersburg, PA, where Pastor Gary Rebok will officiate. The family will receive friends on Monday, December 16, 2024, from 5 – 8 PM and on Tuesday one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. Interment with military honors will follow the service in Lincoln Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org or to the Cumberland Valley Model Railroad, 440 Nelson St, Chambersburg, PA 17201. Online condolences may be offered on John’s page at www.geiselfuneralhome.com.
