David Allan Duke

With great sadness we announce the passing of David Allan Duke on April 30, 2024 at the age of 85. Born December 4, 1938, he was a life-long resident of Los Angeles, the son of Fannie and Joe Duke and the brother of Jerome Duke, all of whom predeceased him. He is survived by his cherished wife Julia, son Lawrence, daughter Andrea (Eric), and the loves of his life, his grandchildren Sophie, MeiLi, Tristan, Bryce, Scarlett, and Rini, as well as by his beloved brother-in-law and sister-in-law (George and Nancy) and much loved nephews and nieces, Brian, Courtney, Emily, and Jacob.

David attended 54th Street Elementary and later Dorsey High School. Beginning piano studies as a toddler, he began studying the French horn at the age of eleven. He graduated with a B.A. in Music from UCLA where he enjoyed participating in many musical endeavors including the marching band. Some of his most cherished memories of those years were of the great times he shared with his Alpha Tau Omega fraternity brothers, traveling with the band, and enjoying life in the vibrant city.

David's prolific career as a respected and sought-after French hornist in the Los Angeles recording industry spanned over five decades beginning in the late 1950s. His distinguished career saw him performing across a multitude of genres on hundreds of recordings with such performers as Frank Sinatra, the Carpenters, John Denver, Sony and Cher, Quiet Riot, Prince, and many others. His motion picture work added to his enduring legacy, and included working with composers such as Bill Conti, John Williams, and Jerry Goldsmith. He especially enjoyed his 23 years performing in the Academy Awards orchestra, which was also enjoyed by his wife as she loved seeing him in his tuxedo. He was a great advocate for his fellow musicians, a steadfast friend in the recording studio and out, and was most proud of the music they all created together.

David was a fun soul who took on many passions. He was an avid golfer, achieved Master status as a bridge player, loved hiking and fishing in the Sierra Nevada, cheering on the Bruins and the Dodgers, and more than all other pursuits, loved being a private pilot who flew dozens of missions for Angel Flight West during his retirement years.

A loving father and grandfather, David will be remembered for his sense-of-humor, inquisitive mind, and above all, his faithfulness and loyalty to those he loved. No discussion about David would be complete with noting that food was his love language, reminding us that people who share food give you their heart.

His family wishes to thank his oncology team at Cedars Sinai for their kindness, compassion, and concern and his final team at Providence St. John's for their care during his last days.

His departure comes as a great wound, and is deeply felt by his entire family and so many others who loved him in his communities. David's private burial took place at Hillside Memorial. In the words of Rabbis Jack Reimer and Sylvan Kamens, "For as long as we live they too will live; for now they are a part of us, as we remember them."