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Michael Duke Obituary

Michael Duke

Johnson City - MICHAEL DUKE, of Johnson City, NY, age 87, was called to Eternal rest on October 21, 2020 after a brief illness. He was predeceased by his father Michael Duke, his mother and stepfather Anna Korba Duke Makein and Max Makein, his brother Paul Duke, and his daughter Dr. Mary Ann Duke. Michael is survived by his devoted and beloved wife Mary (Gabak). They shared an amazing bond for 67 years of marriage. Michael loved and nurtured his cherished children: daughter Diane and son-in-law Dr. Bill Marusich, daughter Elaine Duke, and son Michael James Duke, all of Johnson City, NY. Pop's pride and joy were his grandchildren: Will Marusich, Dr. James Marusich and wife Vanessa, Natalie Mihelc and husband Kevin; Erik, Katrina, and Claire Holmvik and Isabelle Duke. He absolutely adored his great-grandchildren Jonathan, Daniel, Emmie, Melanie, and Ryan Marusich, Aubrey and Jolie Mihelc. Michael is survived by his brother, Frank Makein, and brother-in-law James Gabak and wife Anna.

Michael was President of the Binghamton High School Class of 1951 and attended Union College. Michael honorably served in the US Navy on the USS Des Moines during the Korean War. He was employed by IBM Endicott for 31 years until his retirement in 1991. As a lifetime member of St. Michael's Orthodox Church, Binghamton, NY, he sang joyfully in the choir with his beautiful bass voice for 70 years. He served as a Church Treasurer, Parish Council Trustee, Sunday School teacher and pirohi pincher. He was a member of the church Building Renovation Committee in the early 60s and the church Atrium Building Committee in the early 90s. He enjoyed singing with the Boldireff Male Chorus for several years. Expressing his great love of music, Michael and his son preserved and digitized hundreds of Carpatho-Rusyn liturgical music pieces and created a website, www.saintmichaels.info (click About), so that the music can be enjoyed by future generations. Michael had a deep love for his family and fond memories of his childhood upbringing in Berwick, PA. He set an example of faith, love, hard work, integrity and embraced time-honored traditions.

His family and friends will mourn his passing, but his incredible legacy will continue to bless us with precious memories, laughter, and song. +Eternal Memory Michael, +Vicnaja Pamjat. Sleep in heavenly peace, dearest Dad.

Because of the pandemic a private funeral service was conducted by the Very Reverend Protopresbyter James Dutko at St. Michael's Orthodox Church, 296 Clinton Street, Binghamton, NY. Interment was at the parish cemetery. Please consider a donation to St. Michael's Church or a charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank the entire staff of the Lourdes ICU for their compassionate care.

Kindly share your reflections of Michael on his guestbook at Chopyak-Scheider.com. Arrangements were made by Chopyak-Scheider funeral home with special thanks to Bill and Nikki Scheider.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press & Sun-Bulletin from Oct. 22 to Oct. 25, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Duke

Sponsored by the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin.

14 Entries

David Duke

October 17, 2025

A great Uncle who always had kind and valuable words for me.
RIP Uncle Mike.

Martha and Darius Movasseghi

November 2, 2020

Dear Mary, Diane,Elaine, and Mike, Jr.,

Although we’ve expressed our condolences and memories in other ways earlier we want to state them here as a public tribute to Mike Sr.
For many years as our neighbor and friend we recall his wonderful friendliness and helpfulness to my (Martha’s) parents Edward and Ann Kolota, brother Chris, and the rest of us. Our fond memories of him at our family weddings, birthdays, and anniversary celebrations come to mind as well.
We are very saddened at his sudden passing and wish solace and peace to you and all the family at this very difficult time and in the future. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Terry Carey

October 26, 2020

Diane, Elaine and family, We were so very sorry to hear about your dad's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Terry and Jim Carey

Dolores Duke (Sister-in-Law)

October 25, 2020

It is unfortunate that many years have passed since we spoke, but I'm sure Mike and his brother Paul will unite once again. RIP Mike.

Steve Wanchissen

October 25, 2020

My condolences to the entire Duke family - so sorry to hear about your loss. I was good friends with Mike Jr. through high school and spent many afternoon's at the beautiful home that Mary and Mike Sr. built. I got to know Mr. Duke well (and his towering bass singing voice!). I still recall the time when Mike Jr. and I were in the old Monte Carlo and he started singing - I thought the windows might break!

Mike -

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Be well my friend.

-Steve

jerry h tokos

October 25, 2020

We started at IBM on the same day. Our prayers are with you.
Sylvia & Jerry Tokos

David Duke

October 25, 2020

There have been many personalities in our family. I have memories of family gatherings in Berwick, Binghamton and Johnson City and find the feelings and images of people that have come before me are indeed the foundation of who I am. Those early hugs, handshakes, walks, meals, church Sundays, games, chores and discussions were gifts from the elders that I cherish in the deepest recesses of my mind. If I put ALL family politics aside and focus on my personal relationship with Uncle Mike, my mind’s eye sees a warm personality, always caring, always supportive, always with smiles and a friendly voice who shared with me his view of the world, his accomplishments and his values, in his home and in his church. I have often reflected, gauged myself, my personality, and my motivations with the many role models that our family has produced and I am proud and grateful to have known and shared time with my Uncle Mike Duke, his email greeting of Hiya Dave will be missed...rest in peace my God Fatheruntil we meet again.

Your neighbor Nadine Kalada and Rick O’Neil

October 25, 2020

To the entire Duke family ...so sorry for the loss of your father and grandfather. we’re going to miss seeing him sitting out on his back porch and his bird calls and our Little chats. May the wonderful memories of him give you peace . Thoughts and prayers.

Karen oranchak desmond

October 25, 2020

To the entire family my condolences

Irma Petras

October 25, 2020

Michael was a true gentleman. Always gave you a nice smile when he met you.

Corinna Johnson

October 24, 2020

Though I never knew Mr. Duke, evidence of what a truly wonderful man he was is present in the beautiful family he raised, and the loving words they always had of him and for him. My deepest condolences to Diane, and the entire Duke and Marusich family.

Antonette and Tom Capozzi

October 24, 2020

Elaine and family,
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your father. Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time .

Julian Rizzi

October 24, 2020

To the entire Duke family, very sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure to have known Mike for many years at IBM, a true Gentleman. Mike will be missed by all he knew.

MaryLou Bush

October 24, 2020

Elaine and family, I am so sorry for your loss.

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