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1931
2012
Duke, Thomas Aldon
Thomas Aldon Duke, 81, of Largo, FL and formerly of Hammondsport, NY, passed away peacefully after a short illness on November 4, 2012. Tom was born May 27, 1931 in Roulette PA. He was the youngest of 9 and is predeceased by his parents Linn Langdon and William John Duke, his older Duke siblings and his ex wife Carolyn Hale Duke. Tom was a Korean war veteran and a graduate of SUNY Geneseo. He taught English and Reading to 7th and 8th graders in Hammondsport, NY from the 1960's to the 1980's. Every year he dramatically read the Odyssey and Beowulf, just to name a few, to his classes and insisted that they learn Latin prefixes and suffixes. He was also heavily involved in the NY State Reading Association and sang loudly in many church and barbershop choirs. Tom is best known for his numerous amateur and professional theatrical productions as actor and director. As a friend recently said "the world has lost a little color". He is survived by his daughter Jennifer Duke Harpending, her husband Steve John Anstey of Corning, NY and her three children; Emerson Duke Harpending of Rochester, NY, Alexandra Carolyn Harpending of Brooklyn, NY and Julius Clay Harpending of Syracuse, NY; numerous nieces and nephews all over the country. Please join us for a memorial celebration of his life to be held November 18th, 2012 from 1pm to 3pm at the Village Tavern on The Square in Hammondsport, NY. A toast will be given at 2. The family requests that donations be made, in Tom's name, to Literacy Volunteers of Chemung and Steuben County.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
As former president of the local and state Reading councils, I was in Tom's company many times. How could I forget him?
Carole Huff
November 16, 2012
When I think of Mr. Duke I think of index cards. Anyone who had the privledge of learning from Mr. Duke will smile when they read that. The world has lost yet another scholar and humanitarian . Until we meet again
Donna (Miller) Shertzer
November 15, 2012
I met Tom when he was a substitute teacher in the Elmira city schools. He spent a lot of time at Booth with some of our most challenging students. I was a new teacher back then (in the early 90s.) I loved his quirky personality and enjoyed his vibrant stories. Once he even portrayed an explorer and "discovered" our 5th grade classroom to the surprise of all my students What a memorable experience for all of us! I also had the privilege of being in the Elmira College production of Fiddler on the Roof with Tom. What fun! I am so sorry to learn of his passing. I had hoped one day I'd see him here in Elmira, not knowing of his move to Florida. It's funny how some people stick in your heart. Even though I never actually had Tom as a teacher, his example placed the bar pretty high and I strive to achieve his level of teaching excellence. My thoughts are with your family.
Michelle Halperin
November 11, 2012
To the Duke Family,
I worked with Tom on the reading council and he often was at our house, regaling us with stories or playing games with our children. He was an excellent teacher and friend.
Our hearts grant immortality
to those we love
in memory.
Larry and Carol Kennedy
larry kennedy
November 11, 2012
Mr Duke was a good man and great Teacher. Thoughts and prayers to the family. May he rest in peace.
Nancy Costley Fife
November 11, 2012
He was my teacher and then taught my children, I always liked and respected him.
Pat (Elwood) Brown
November 9, 2012
Good man, I remember him.
Gary Frisk
November 9, 2012
Such a wonderful teacher! I still use the skills that he taught! I actually used them to teach my children. He will be sadly missed. Heart felt sadness!
Rae Gallegos(Morris)
November 9, 2012
He touched more generations than he knew. My children have been indirect recipients of his teaching and have heard stories of him. He truly left a legacy of literacy.
Shelley Smith
November 9, 2012
We remember English class with Mr. Duke and a reading class. He was a wonderful teacher. He was also a good neighbor for many years.
Jim &Linda Richards
November 8, 2012
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