Robert W. DUNCAN Sr.

DUNCAN, Robert W., Sr.

Robert Winthrop Duncan Sr., of Old Saybrook, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2012 surrounded by friends and family, after a long illness. Bob was born in Hartford on December 31, 1925, son of the late Frank and Dorothy Young Duncan. He moved to Old Saybrook in 1930 and resided there the remainder of his life. Bob attended Old Saybrook High School where he was a member of their State Championship winning basketball team in 1942. Upon graduating in 1943, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving with the 29th Marines across the South Pacific, in Guam and Guadalcanal, before seeing combat at Okinawa where he was wounded. Returning postwar to Old Saybrook in 1946, Bob met a young music teacher, Mary Jane Macintosh who was boarding at his mother's house. They were married in 1949 and remained together until her death in 1976. Bob was employed by Uarco Inc in Deep River for more than 40 years, interrupted only by a return to Marine Corps active duty stateside at Camp Lejune in the early 1950s. Upon retirement in 1990, he remained very active, serving on the board of the Cypress Cemetery, as secretary of the Uarco Retirees Club, and in multiple positions with the Historical Society, including trustee. Bob kept fit by walking to MacDonald's for breakfast 6 days a week until the onset of his illness. His hobbies included coin and stamp collecting, golf, and especially gardening. Bobs' front yard, featuring a wisteria vine running across the top of the porch, is a popular subject for local photographers. Bob leaves behind a son Robert Jr. and daughter Judith, both of Old Saybrook; sister and brother-in-law Jeanne and Bruce McMillan of Tequesta, FL, sister Dorothy Gifford and brother in law Bill Gifford of Old Saybrook; many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews; and a special friend, Edna Lorentson. We would like to thank Bob's many friends who helped during the struggle, notably Howard Richardson. Our thanks also go to the entire Middlesex Hospital system which provided stellar care throughout, especially Dr Michael Farrell. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Middlesex Hospital Hospice Unit, 28 Crescent St, Middletown, CT 06457.
Calling hours will be Sunday August 12 from 4-7 p.m. at Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Rd. in Old Saybrook, CT. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com. Burial will be at a later date.