Dr. ROBERT ANTHONY DUCA Sr.

DUCA Dr. ROBERT ANTHONY, Sr.

Age 85, formerly of Johnstown, died at home in Warrenton, Virginia, January 10, 2019. Born July 19, 1933, in Johnstown, son of the late Peter and Josephine (Saia) Duca. Preceded in death by daughter, Elisa; brothers, Frank Duca, Sr., married to Grace Sostaric, Johnstown, PA, John Duca, married to Elvira Messina, Delmont, PA, and Peter Duca, married to Ann Yagich, Campbell, OH; and sisters, Nancy Duca, Rose Cerula, married to Andrew Cerula, Johnstown, PA, Carmela Duca and Josephine Duca in early childhood. Survived by wife of 60 years, Zoraida Gutierrez Sanchez; and children, Dr. Robert Anthony, Jr., married to Lourdes Rexach, Vienna, VA, Frederick Joseph, married to Mary Pamela Barks, Warrenton, VA and Dr. Mark Anthony, married to Megan Keisling, Oakdale, PA. Survived by eight grandchildren, Frederick Joseph Duca, Jr., Michael Anthony Duca, Daniel James Duca, Mary Elisa Duca, Christopher Anthony Duca, Katherine Ann Duca, Robert Anthony Duca III, and Giovanni Antonio Duca. Also survived by numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Dr. Robert Anthony Duca, Sr., was a graduate of Greater Johnstown High School and the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Duca earned a master's degree in Italian from Middlebury College and a master's degree in Spanish from Kent State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Spanish Language and Civilization at The Pennsylvania State University. Spending over 45 years in academia, Dr. Duca held faculty positions at Hubbard High School (OH), Greater Johnstown Area Vocational Technical School, Slippery Rock University and Youngstown State University. Dr. Duca was an Associate Professor of Humanities and Foreign Languages at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and retired as chairman of the language department. He was honored by both the Spanish and Italian Governments for his work in the education of non-native speaking students. Dr. Duca spoke Spanish, French, Italian and Sicilian fluently and continued to donate his time teaching, translating and writing books after his retirement. A long-standing member of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America, he served as President of Joseph Johns Lodge 214 and as National Vice President and Chief Historian. Dr. Duca was a proud veteran of the United States Army having served at Ft. Buchanan, San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was an active member of St. Benedict Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus until relocating to Warrenton, Virginia late in retirement. He was also an active member of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Alumni Association. Dr. Duca, or "Bob" as he was known by all, was a loving father, trusted sibling, and dedicated educator. He was passionate about sharing his life experiences with all those with whom he came into contact. His love of life and perpetual amicability will be profoundly missed.  Family and friends received Monday, January 14, 2019, 4 to 8 p.m., and Tuesday, January 15, 2019, 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., at the FRANK DUCA FUNERAL HOME, Westmont Chapel, 1622 Menoher Blvd. Family and friends will meet for a Funeral Mass Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at 12 p.m. at the J. Irving Whalley Memorial Chapel on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony Cemetery, Geistown, with military honors performed by Conemaugh Valley Marine Corps League, Detachment 287. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to the "Dr. Robert A. Duca, Sr. Scholarship in Humanities and Romance Languages Fund" at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown c/o Frank Duca Funeral Home, 1622 Menoher Blvd., Johnstown, PA 15905. Condolences may be sent through:

www.ducafuneralhome.com