Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Duncan Bockus Obituary
Duncan Bockus, 69, of Manchester, CT, had his final curtain call on Tuesday, May 24. A lifelong Manchester resident, he was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Rhoda Bockus; his siblings, Barbara Jane Bockus and Keith Bockus; and a nephew, Kyle. He is survived by his niece, Dawn Bockus and her children; and a cousin, Sue Hart. He was employed for many decades by Fishman & Sons and HB Fishman Co., Inc. as a project manager. Blessed with a baritone singing voice, he attended Hartt School of Music at The University of Hartford for music studies and Westminster Choir College where he actively participated in many productions. His musical career included performances at Hartt College and varied roles with New Lyric Theater, Pittsburgh Opera, Cincinnati Opera, and Connecticut Opera including "La Boheme", "Tosca", "Aida", and "The Barber of Seville." Since 1997, he performed with CitySingers of Hartford, prepared their publicity materials and recorded performances. In addition to his own singing accomplishments, Duncan took on the directorship of many acclaimed musicals with the Universalist Players, a community arts group in West Hartford, and his credits included "Honk", "Almost Just-So Stories", a 2001 commissioned work by Rebecca Wright Degnan of Hartt College, "Wind in the Willows", "The Wizard of Oz", "The Hobbit", "Alice in Wonderland", "The Tortoise and the Hare", "Sleeping Beauty", and "The Emperor's New Clothes". The casts he directed were multi-generational ranging in ages from 8 to 80. Always one to engage in puns, jovial repartee, and jokes evoking a substantial groan; his smile and the twinkle in his eyes, and his genuine concern for others reverberated throughout his life. A self proclaimed gourmet, if it could be cooked with butter, it was in his recipe file. Cast parties always enjoyed his signature jambalaya, beef bourguignon, or fruit tortes. Duncan will be missed by many, especially his furry friend, Tasche. A memorial celebration of his life will be held in July. Memorial donations in honor of his life may be made to CitySingers of Hartford, 591 Park Rd, West Hartford, CT 06107.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Duncan Bockus
Sponsored by the family.
Virginia Greene
July 21, 2024
I had no idea Duncan had passed. I knew him when, in high school in the late 60´s and 70´s, I attended the Hartt College of Music junior school. Duncan was in two of the operas we performed. He played the Roast Goose! I also saw him when I attended college at Hartt, graduating in 1976. He was the best! What a voice! He was the nicest, most helpful, funniest, most wonderful man! I am so sorry to read of his death at this late date, but please know he is very fondly remembered and loved. I will never forget him. My most heartfelt condolences to his family. Virginia Greene, Hartt College of Music from 1969-1972 - high school and 1972-1976 BME.
Cheryl Dinnie
April 16, 2017
I just saw this. I was in many of his plays at the UU church and enjoyed his kind direction and infectious laugh. I will miss his wonderful personality.
Bill Copeland
March 21, 2017
So sorry to hear of Duncan's passing. He was such a great guy with a beautiful voice. I enjoyed working with him, because he always had a good joke to share or a good conversation which made the work day fly by. Until we meet again my friend, Rest easy...
Jerelyn C. Barile
September 8, 2016
Duncan was such a wonderful friend and caring person and is missed immensely. I especially will miss our baking together with family favorite recipes and just talking or laughing about whatever the subject of the day was. In fact, the whole family, including my best friend Jane, and his brother Keith were always willing to do anything they could for anyone. I will always remember the Bockus family as being very special in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Stephen Theaker
July 20, 2016
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Duncan will be held on Saturday, July 30, at 11:30am at East Cemetary in Manchester, CT. There will be directional signs posted at the main cemetary entrance on Harrison Street which is off East Center Street. A reception will be held immediately thereafter at the Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, (off Vernon Street) Manchester, CT.
Joan Petersen
June 4, 2016
Duncan was a kind, thoughtful, caring, gentle soul. I enjoyed helping him out but more important was his friendship. I looked forward to our conversations, his thoughts and his advice except when it came to politics! I will truly miss seeing him and talking with him. My prayers and thoughts are with Beatrice, friends, and family. I know you will be singing with the angels. Sadly missed. Joan Petersen
Joan Petersen
June 4, 2016
Duncan was a kind thoughtful, caring, gentle soul. I enjoyed helping him out but more important was his friendship. I looked forward to our conversations, his thoughts, and advice except when it came to politics! I will truly miss seeing him and talking with him. My prayers and thoughts are with Beatrice, friends, and family. I know you will be singing with the angels. Sadly missed. Joan Petersen
Dick Kreitner
June 2, 2016
I can't remember how far back it was that Duncan and I first met when he became Bass Section Leader in the West Hartford Universalist Church choir. The many years we sang together, often as the only two basses, were truly memorable. Duncan was the singer and I was merely a supporting voice, but we blended together well and also became good friends. And, there were times when I, as a good music reader, could actually keep Duncan on the correct pitch, even on some of his solos where he would have a mental block and I would hum in the background to keep him on track! When he began directing the Universalist Players, it was difficult to turn down his annual requests to be in that year's production, even though my acting skills were non-existent! Duncan was a great friend whom we will truly miss but whose influence will carry on in all of us who were a part of his life.
Donna Wink
June 2, 2016
Duncan's humor and creativity will be greatly missed. It was a privilege and a learning experience to perform with him at CitySinger events. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
May 31, 2016
Wednesday's were just many of the special days with Duncan at Mellow mutt. We will miss the weekly music quiz, and the joke of the day. You were truly a special and very kind person. Always in our hearts, love Sara, Diane, Apryl,Emily, Kasey,Hannah,Robin, Bree and Dave.
May 29, 2016
Wishing you peace! I am truly blessed to have always had you in my life!! We will always remember you! Always! Dawn, Tessa, and Auston
Duncan and his furry friend
Stephen Theaker
May 29, 2016
He was my dear friend, my thespian mentor and will always be a part of my life. To me he was the proverbial brother from another mother and our friendship continued to grow with each passing year. We agreed on almost everything except the amount of time to cook ears of corn. The special thing about him was his encouragement. Duncan disdained taking credit for his accomplishments as a director but without him the show would not have gone on. I will cherish his smile and his laugh every day. May his name be blessed.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Duncan Bockus's name
Memorial Events
for Duncan Bockus
How to support Duncan's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Duncan Bockus's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
