Memories of Kerry Earl Duke

In memory of

Kerry Earl Duke

Melbourne Beach, FL

April 16, 1949 - November 12, 2021

Apr 16, 1949 - Nov 12, 2021

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Peter & Carol Romeo

We are so sorry for your loss. Kerry was a great guy. We met him almost 5 years ago in our Beach Woods Community, he was always smiling and shirtless…lol. Kerry was such a friendly guy with a warm heart and loved animals. We barely knew him when he offered to watch our dog when ever we went out.

We will miss him greatly , but will remember him as a kind, loving man with a tall heart.

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Duane H Kaizer

My heart goes out to Colette and Michelle and the rest of the Duke family.

I first met Kerry when Colette and I were roommates in law school, and he always treated me like a part of the family and made me feel like a son. We went out to dinner on many occasions and he was always so full of life and made us laugh. When he moved to Melbourne, he invited me over and said “Here’s the address. You’re welcome anytime. You don’t even need to knock- just walk right in!”

He will truly be missed. However, he is at peace and in a better place.

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Ellen Spears

Kerry was the oldest cousin. When he came to visit, my sister and I were in awe. He was only 6 years older, but to a six-year-old, he seemed like a grown man. He was so handsome and sweet; we followed him around like puppy dogs. We often talked about him, even if we didn't see him as often as we would have liked. We pointed out the house in Ocean Grove, talked about his athletic prowess and his magnificent stature. We were so proud of him.
At my wedding, I remember Kerry and his darling daughter, Michelle. She was a little peanut in his arms. He was so proud of her and her sister, Colette. Always.
Colette has been the one to keep the family connected. When my dad and I tried to find my cousin on my mother's side, Colette suggested Kerry could help. He went to work and found him for us. His connections as a police officer paid off.
My memories are sporadic, but the feeling of being among the Duke men is one that is very strong in me. When my Uncle Roy and dad got together, there were so many laughs. And those were magnified when my cousins, Kerry, Roy and Tom were present. I can still see them and hear the deep wonderful voices and hearty laughs. I miss that. I hope to take a page out of Colette's book and connect with those Dukes who are still around.
Kerry (or Corky as we called you when we were younger), I loved you and was so proud of you. Ellen

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Linda Maxwell

Ocean Grove Beach, New Jersey, USA

Why Kerry got Best Looking in our Senior year

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Colette Duke

Christy Calbos

Angela Brown

Christen Luikart

I’ll never forget the day I met Papa Duke. He was in Colette’s driveway in law school, with his dog, and beaming with pride (the way he always did when he looked at his girls). The best parts of him live on in you…

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Colette Duke

Christy Calbos

Angela Brown

Joe & Milena Potoczny

Colette Duke

Christy Calbos

Angela Brown

Joe & Milena Potoczny

Would love to share what is most important to us about the Kerry we knew. The picture of course shows so many great memories we have. What the photo doesn’t show is the true Kerry. I don’t have any pictures of him re doing the sheet rock at our home, helping repair our deck, helping with anything we needed at any time. Kerry was a true giver in every sense of the word. Going to forever miss this sentence, “Yo Joe man have a question for you”. This question could be something as simple as a recipe, or more often how to reset his Wi-Fi router. One thing I would like to correct Milena and I adopted a Dad, thanks Colette and Michelle for sharing. Kerry will always hold a special part in our hearts.

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Colette Duke

Christy Calbos

Angela Brown

Marcella and Ray Lewis

Kerry loved going to Bunkeys on Tuesday nights for oysters. That's where we became friends. Kerry was larger than life. I can still see him crawling out of the latest Corvette that he had purchased, putting on his shirt and joining us for oysters and beers. We looked forward to seeing him and he showed up even on his most difficult days. He never complained and he never gave up. He was a big guy with an even bigger heart and we will never forget him. Rest in peace Kerry.

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Colette Duke

Christy Calbos

Jane DeWalt

So sorry, Colette,my condolences to you and your family.

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Colette Duke

Angela Brown

2021, Melbourne Beach, FL, USA

We're saddened by Kerry's passing... The neighborhood just won't be the same without him.

We're glad he was surrounded by his family, and Much Love, in his Life, and in his final days.

We have lots of Great Memories of Kerry... our neighbor... who sometimes seemed Larger than Life.

We will remember Kerry with a big smile... as a Tall, Strong character, usually shirtless,… wearing a big beautiful cross…

Smiling, Laughing, through it all....

Standing up for others,...

Working on his car, his house, and other projects... while a machine on wheels pumped his blood through, until he got his heart transplant. (He was a "real life, bad-ass".)

Kerry seemed tough, but you could see his Love shine through... Especially with his Family... (which also included his Dogs... Raven and Max.)

In the mornings he'd cruise around the BeachWoods hood… (with the dog sitting in the back seat, window down, enjoying the journey.)

In the late afternoon/early evening, Kerry enjoyed cranking a little music on his porch... (Good stuff.)

Sometimes at sunset, he could be seen sitting on a bench, down by the river, with his dog.

Kerry will be Greatly missed… And Greatly Remembered.

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