J. Darrell Dukes

J. Darrell Dukes, age 72 of Milton, DE, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 20, 1951, in Baltimore, MD, son of the late Oakley M. and Leona C. Dukes.
The Dukes family moved to Dewey Beach, DE in 1958. He attended St. Edmond's Elementary School, and Rehoboth HS, and was in the first graduating class of Cape Henlopen HS. Darrell graduated from University of Delaware with a BS in Business Administration. At UD, Darrell met the love of his life, Heidi L. Dukes (Goetz) and married in 1977 in Ossining, NY.
Darrell was employed in various capacities at the family-owned Rehoboth Bay Marina from the age of 14 and was sales manager and president when the business was sold in 1981. Darrell worked as an independent ship transom sign painter before working as a manager at both Indian River Marina and Nassau Boat Sales. He retired from Oceanic Ventures, of Lewes, as a cabinetry designer in 2019.
Darrell had many interests, particularly in music where he played guitar, keyboard, and trumpet, and always preferred to sing harmony. He had perfect pitch and could play music after just hearing it. He loved woodworking and was the ultimate handyman. Darrell appreciated all things nautical including boating, water skiing, fishing, and crabbing. He and his wife Heidi enjoyed traveling, camping, gardening, cooking, smoking BBQ, and attending music, art, car, and craft shows together- especially when his Harley could be used as transportation. Darrell also had a special attachment to his 1951 military Willys Jeep, which he restored and shared with the community at Fort Miles Reenactments and Christmas parades. However, what Darrell most enjoyed was spending time with family and friends, whom he entertained with his dry wit, insightful conversation, and gentle teasing. Well known for wearing Hawaiian shirts, he was often the instigator of large and small family gatherings and parties at his home.
In addition to his parents, Darrell was predeceased by his brothers: Richard Dukes and William Dukes, and sister Patricia Foss. He is survived by his wife Heidi L. Dukes; his daughters: Jennifer and Zachary Johnston (grandsons Owen and Logan), Kristin and Nicholas Knasiak; his sister Darlene Tzannakos; his brother Donald Dukes and his wife Cindy; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, DE 19958, followed by a Celebration of Life; colorful attire appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Future Needs Fund of St. Jude the Apostle Parish at (302)644-7300 or to the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park at https://www.friendsofcapehenlopen.org/donate.html.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 4:00 PM ON TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2024, TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.