William E. Duke

William E. Duke, 83, of Ipswich died Tuesday February 2, 2021  in the Masconomet Healthcare Center in Topsfield, MA.  He was the husband of Sandra (Abbott) Duke with whom he shared 36 years of marriage.  Sandra recently died on Sunday  June 20, 2021.

Born  February 24, 1937  in Everett, Washington and was the son of the late Donald and Marguerite Duke.

He served with the United States Marine Corps for 22 years and retired in 1976 with the rank of Major.  Mr. Duke was what the Marine Corps recognizes as a Mustang, an Officer who rises through the enlisted ranks as a result of outstanding service and performance.  In addition to being a veteran of the Viet Nam War, Mr. Duke saw duty in many other locations throughout the world.  He was very proud of his Marine Corps and Country.

After retirement from the Corps, Mr. Duke returned to Ipswich, the home of his wife.  He was then employed as the Chief Executive Officer of a New Hampshire Hospital, the Assistant to Mayor Alper for the City of Gloucester, Executive Vice President for a Municipal Leasing Corporation and Facilities Manager for the Caldwell Nursing Home of Ipswich.  He enjoyed golfing with his wife, model ship building, winters in Florida and taking care of his home.  Mr. Duke was an active member and past Commander of the Ipswich Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1093.

He is survived by his three children,  Attorney William G. Duke of Greenville, North Carolina, Cindy Horton of Wilson, North Carolina and Christopher Duke, a retired Master Sergeant of the United States Air force who now lives in Ewa Beach, Hawaii.  He is also survived by two step children, Cathy Trepanier of North Hampton, New Hampshire and Thomas Trepanier of Daytona Beach, Florida, two brothers, Donald Duke of Freeport, Illinois and Lynn Duke of Wisconsin,  as well as 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his brother Jerry Duke formerly of La Fayette, Kentucky and his stepson  David Trepanier formerly of Ipswich, Massachusetts.  He was a loving and devoted husband and loved his family dearly.

A graveside service will be held for both William and Sandra on Thursday  July 1, 2021  at  11:00 A.M.  in the Cowles Memorial Cemetery  29 Town Farm Road, Ipswich, all are respectfully invited to attend.  For those who are not fully vaccinated facial coverings are encouraged.  William will be accorded military honors.  There will be no visiting hours.    Arrangements are under the direction of the Morris Funeral Home of Ipswich.  To send a letter of condolence to the Duke family please go to:  MorrisFH.com .

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