Below is a tribute I wrote about Tommy. The Old Town Crier published it, but in a shorter version due to a lack of page space. 

A Tribute to Tommy Dukes

Old Town recently lost one of its legends. For decades, Thomas (Tommy) Dukes was a familiar face on King St. In Old Town’s early days, Tommy would “hold court” every Sunday afternoon at the Fish Market’s Raw Bar on the corner of King and Union Streets. Tommy was the king of Sunday afternoons, his throne a bar stool, and his scepter a 32-ounce schooner of beer. Being more of a jester than a king, Tommy reigned with joy and laughter. And many Old Towners frequented that bar on Sundays to participate in the merriment.

Tommy was well known for his generosity and kind nature. His friends joked that he had a Santa Claus Complex because he often brought small gifts for both friends and bartenders. He truly loved people and welcomed anyone who wanted to watch the Redskins with him, offering free bowls of Goldfish crackers that he bought himself.

You could find Tommy’s smiling face at many establishments in Old Town on any given weekend; Chadwick’s, Murphy’s, The Fraternal Order of Eagles, and The Old Dominion Boat Club, to name a few. Tommy never passed on a chance to greet anyone he knew with a kind word and a smile. When you walked into a room and Tommy was there, you automatically knew you were welcome and part of the family. A true friend to all, Tommy Dukes, will be sorely missed. I have no doubt that he has found a pub in heaven that serves schooners of beer. And that St. Peter is standing at the Pearly Gates enjoying the Goldfish crackers that Tommy brought for him. Rest in peace my friend, you were truly loved and one of a kind.  

You ask, what did I learn from Tommy?  Well, I learned a very significant lesson.  As we all well know, Tommy was quite a social butterfly who made friends wherever he went.  He formed genuine lasting bonds with lots of people, and I've realized from him that staying vital and socially active is a crucial way to live, especially if you are single.  As we age, so many people withdraw, become isolated and they lose track of their old connections, but that's a terrible mistake.  I learned from Tommy's first stroke that when the system was actively conspiring to prey upon his vulnerability, it was his friends who rallied and did what needed to be done to fight back. I learned from Tommy's example that life is so much more fun when surrounded by the friends you've made and kept through the years, and his life is a reminder that we all really do need each other.  Tommy was a remarkable man.    

Tommy - I will dearly miss you and all the wonderful times we shared. You were certainly one in a million and I will cherish all the memories.   XOXOXO

RIP Tom!  Wouldn't miss your celebration of life.  Great memories from our days together at George Mason and Vosger Court.

Our condolences to the family for their loss.

Tommy was a very special person; he was generous, funny and always smiling. He was also very intellectual.  We first met at the lively corner bar of the old Fish Market (FM), on the corner of King and Union St, back in the 80s. He was one of the first friends I made here, after moving to Alexandria from Iowa, not knowing anyone outside of my work.  I was quickly “adopted” into the “Sunday Afternoon Wrecking Crew”, an often hilarious group of friends who held court at the FM on Sundays, with Tommy being the master of ceremonies (so to speak)! We had so many fun times together. He will be deeply missed. I will remember him fondly. Rest in Peace Tommy!