Walter Vincent Duane

Walter Vincent Duane, 95, entered into eternal rest at his home on Sunday, May 21, 2017. The relatives and friends of Walter V. Duane are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM, Monday, May 29, 2017, at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon between 3:30 and 5:30 PM at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy. The Rosary will be recited at 5:30 PM. 
Walter was born August 28, 1921, in Charleston, the eighth of nine children of Joseph H. and Mattie Murphy Duane. He was a graduate of “old St. Joseph’s grammar school” (Ansonborough) and “old Bishop England High School” (Calhoun Street).
During WWII, Walter served with the U.S. Marine Corps in the South Pacific and was also on active duty during the Korean Conflict. He worked for over 50 years at Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company in Charleston.
Walter was well-known for his vast knowledge of Charleston’s history and people. All who knew him would agree he was “a raconteur extraordinaire” and he has been quoted in many books about Charleston’s past. He was extremely well-read, and the scope of his knowledge covered everything from world history and politics to music, literature and sports.
Walter was a devoted member of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as the organization’s state deputy as well as Grand Knight in the 1960s, helping to establish the Turkey Day Run. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers and the Ancient Order of Hibernians through which he helped to revive the city’s St. Patrick’s Day parade and festivities. Walter was involved in a number of political campaigns, including nearly all of Mayor Joe Riley’s ten successful runs, and was campaign manager for John Jellico in the 1948 campaign for the state House of Representatives. During his retirement years, he was a volunteer at the Charleston Visitors Center, the Charleston Museum, the Neighborhood Legal Assistance Program and other community organizations.
Walter's love for the Holy City involved all things political, cultural and historical.  Taking a daily “spin around the Battery” was his long-standing tradition, and he knew every inch of the city. He often shared countless recollections of the happy childhood he and his brothers and sisters had growing up in “the Borough.” One of his favorite lines was, 'We always knew what a special place Charleston is.  It just took everyone else longer to figure it out!'  He was extremely proud of the city's past, present and future and will forever be a part of what has made Charleston unique.  
Walter is survived by 19 nieces and nephews, 32 great-nieces and great-nephews and several great-great nieces and great-great nephews. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the Ronald McDonald House, 81 Gadsden St., Charleston, SC 29401.