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BORN
1933
DIED
2021
Richard Duckett Obituary
Richard Joseph (Dick) Duckett, 87, passed away peacefully with his family in Naples, FL 10 March 2021. Dick was born in Brooklyn, NY 25 March 1933 where he was raised by Helen and Elmer Duckett.
Dick was a stand-out athlete and graduate of St. Francis Prep in Brooklyn, NY where he was named All-City. He went on to captain the St. John's basketball team where he was a three time All-American, reaching both the NCAA finals as well as the NIT finals. After spending two years in the Army mid-career, he still managed to score over 1,000 points at St. John's. In April 1957 he was selected to the East-West All-Star team and won the MVP at Madison Square Garden, drawing the attention of the Cincinnati Royals who drafted Dick with the first pick of the second round, ninth overall. He played one year with the Royals and later toured with the Harlem Globetrotters. He remained on the court as a Division 1 referee through middle age and ended his court career at the age of 70, reffing games from Cape Cod to the Everglades.
Though renowned for his athletic achievements, those who knew him cherished him both as a family man and as a trusted friend. From Brooklyn to South Orange NJ, where he and his wife Joan raised their family, to Milton MA, to Naples, FL, where he retired and spent his later years, the author of seven hole-in-ones leaves behind three sons, one daughter, four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, as well as scores of friends who will be forever touched by his wit, storytelling, and straightforward demeanor.
Due to Covid-19 a memorial service will be announced in the future. In lieu of flowers, don't be late!
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Duckett
Charles Allison
April 6, 2021
I did not know Mr Duckett, but my friend and former colleague Deirdre Duckett shared his story. But he sounds like someone I would have become fast friends with. He sounds very interesting. I'm sure over the years his stories about SFP, St John's, making it to an NCAA Basketball Final and NIT Final and becoming a Division 1 referee -- he must have had a million fascinating experiences to share. And I probably could have learned a few golf tips along the way -- the way I play the coach in Mr. Duckett would probably emerge, all with a smile and a good word . This seems like who he was, and more. My deepest sympathy to the Duckett Family.
Jim Chatfield
March 29, 2021
A terrific guy, exert moment spent in his company was a good one.
Robert G Keller
March 28, 2021
Mr. Duckett was a great person who was fun to be around. I enjoyed all the great times with Mr. Duckett and his family, at many memorable events. He often devoted his time to volunteer coaching, which was very much appreciated. He was my Little League coach and his knowledge and competitiveness brought the best out of our team. I was very fortunate to have played in a couple of golf outings with his son's Dick and Danny. They were fun times. I was blessed and very fortunate, to have had the pleasure of his presence, throughout many special times in my life. With deepest sympathy and prayers, Bobby Keller.
TOM and Anita Lee
March 27, 2021
Our Deepest Sympathy to Dicks Family. We were friends with Dick and played many rounds of golf together. He was a Great Friend and always cared about others.
He will be dearly missed but never forgotten. May he Rest In Peace with his dear wife Joan.
David Murray
March 26, 2021
I am best friends of his youngest son David. Met David at Mississippi State in the late 70's. Flew down to Naples in 2019 to visit Dave where he was taking care of his dad, Richard. Richard and I hit it off right at the bat. We both loved old movies and would watch at least one everyday. One night I grilled 3 racks of baby back ribs and Richard devoured almost a whole rack by himself. That definitely sealed our friendship. One hell of a fun week.
Tanya Hutchins
March 26, 2021
Condolences from the Hutchins Family in Washington, D.C. We’ve heard David talk of him often.
Beth and James Rores
March 26, 2021
Dear Duckett Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a wonderful man. May your fondest memories of him help you through the days ahead. Sending you all our deepest sympathies. The Rores Family and Mrs. Carol Carroll
Diu, Solène and Astrid
March 26, 2021
Our deepest condolences! The Austrians will miss Dick, grandpa and great grandfather. We always had a great (family)time in Florida!
Arlene Foley
March 26, 2021
Dick was a gentile man. A great neighbor and a friend to all at Foxfire.
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