Clinton Duckworth

Clinton Dorset "Clint" Duckworth

November 24, 1954 – August 20, 2025

Clinton Dorset Duckworth, known to all who loved him simply as Clint, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. He was 70 years old.

Born on November 24, 1954 in Toms River, NJ, Clint was the son of Harry Duckworth and Janet Loveman Duckworth Taber of Island Heights, NJ. He was a free spirit spending his time fishing, sailing, clamming, and simply enjoying being on the bay he loved so deeply.

Growing up in Island Heights, Clint-then known around town as "Punky"-attended Island Heights Grade School. He was a graduate of Toms River High School North, Class of 1973. Clint married his high school sweetheart, Donna, in 1974 and welcomed two daughters in the years that followed.

Clint was a master builder by trade and a perfectionist at heart. As a self-employed craftsman, he brought vision, precision, and passion to every repair he made and every home he built-which can still be seen dotted along the Jersey Shore coastline. More than just a contractor, Clint was a mentor, teacher, and role model to countless others in his field.

A strong advocate for historic preservation, Clint took special pride in contributing his skills to the restoration of the Cottage Museum on Simpson Avenue in Island Heights, NJ. He believed deeply in honoring the past and preserving it for future generations.

Clint is survived by his soulmate, Donna Lynn Duckworth; his daughters, Tara and her husband, Javier Quintuna, of Woodbridge, NJ, and Tami and her husband, David Salomone, of Toms River, NJ; his cherished grandchildren, Cristal, Michael, Talia, and Dean; his sister, Lynn, and her husband, John Pendleton, of Island Heights, NJ; and his two stepsisters, Laurie and Dawn. He is also remembered with gratitude and love by all the people he mentored and those fortunate enough to have called him a friend.

He was predeceased by his parents and sibling, Ginny.

Clint's legacy is one of calm strength, deep kindness, and an unwavering readiness to help. A natural problem-solver, he could fix just about anything-and if he didn't know how, he'd figure it out. He was resourceful, innovative, and always showed up when people needed him. He gave freely, judged no one, and lived with a deep and principled sense of integrity.

He was also a dreamer, a thinker, and a man full of ideas. He had a sharp mind for numbers, a deep love for history, and a true joy for teaching and learning. He delighted in playing cards, crabbing, and canoeing with his grandchildren; loved being on the water; and found peace in sailing, boating, and fishing.

A proud member of the American Legion, Clint's patriotism and values were evident in the way he lived: humbly and honorably.

Clint lived a full life, rich in joy. He will be remembered as a man who gave everything he had-his time, his wisdom, his kindness, his humor-to anyone who needed it. And though he has set sail from this world, his spirit remains anchored in the hearts of all who loved him.

In honor of Clint, may we each strive to live a little more like he did-with principles and a peaceful approach to life.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 27, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Bay Head; followed at 12 p.m. by a memorial gathering on the beach at Clint's childhood home at 249 Ocean Ave., Island Heights.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to donate, the family suggests donations in memory of Clint be made to American Legion Post 129, Save Barnegat Bay, Sacred Heart Church in Bay Head, or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences can be shared at www.silvertonmemorial.com