John Gregory Duch

1960 - 2017

John Gregory Duch

John Gregory Duch, Esq. passed peacefully into the Lord's hands on Sunday, October 8th, surrounded by family members. John was an extraordinary man who wore dozens of hats. He gave much of himself to his family, his friends, his church, and his community. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Elizabeth M. Duch, and his children, Alexandra (Sasha), Gregory, and Stephen.

He also leaves surviving his father, Thomas Duch, and his brother, Thomas J. Duch and wife, Cheryl; his father-in-law, John Paulich, his brother-in-law, John Peter Paulich; his sister-in-law Judy Liquori; and sister-in-law, Christine Kapinos and husband, James; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Helen O. Duch and his mother-in-law, Anne Paulich.

John was a graduate of Lehigh University and Seton Hall School of Law. He was a member of St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Cathedral located in Passaic and Woodland Park. At St. Michael's, he was a member of the Holy Name Society, Rosary Society, Annual Festival Committee, and the ever-ready kitchen crew. Professionally, he was a member of the Bergen County Bar Association and a Volunteer Arbitrator in the Passaic County Superior Court.

For the past 18 years he served as Co-Chairman of the Statewide Slovak Heritage Festival Committee. He was a member of the Greek Catholic Union (former VP of District 7), Slovak Catholic Sokols, and First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association.

John was a former Councilman and Deputy Mayor of the City of Garfield. He was the Public Defender in Clifton, Elmwood Park, Rochelle Park, and Central Bergen Municipal Court. He maintained his law practice in Clifton and Elmwood Park.

John was the long time Chairman of the Margaret Muscarelle Child Development Center in Garfield, a former member of the Wyckoff Education Foundation, a frequent marcher in the Pulaski Parade sponsored by St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Garfield, an active band parent at Ramapo Regional High School, and a former Assistant Lacrosse Coach for the Wyckoff Lacrosse Program.

He will long be remembered for his selfless dedication to his family, his church, his charities, and his civic and professional organizations.

Visitation will be held Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 8 pm at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Ave., Clifton. Parastas to be held Thursday at 4:30 pm. A Funeral Liturgy will be held Friday 10:00 am at St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Cathedral, 96 First Street, Passaic. Please meet at the Cathedral. Interment to follow at St. Michael Cemetery, South Hackensack. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Cathedral or the Sisters of St. Basil. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Please visit www.bizub.com for driving directions or to offer online condolences.