Constantine "Duke" Doukas

1933 - 2015

Doukas, Constantine "Duke" LATHAM Constantine J. "Duke" Doukas, 82, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Friday, October 23, 2015, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on August 9, 1933, in Troy, son of the late Constantine and Anna (Dobler) Doukas. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Monica "Nickie" (Fafard) Doukas; his loving children, Matthew Doukas of Tulsa, Okla., Teresa (Rick) Choppa of Latham, and Cynthia (Geoff) Miller of Green Island; his cherished grandchildren, Eric and Rachel Choppa, and Zachary, Nathaniel and Noah Miller, all who will miss their "Pepere"; his loving sister, Marina (late William) Austin, of Latham. He was predeceased by his youngest sister, Anna Mary, and by his sister- and brother-in-law, Lucille and William Richmond. Also remembered by his sister and brother-in-law, Suzanne and Gerald Yarter of Latham, and sister-in-law, Lorraine (late Peter) Woodin of Inglis, Fla. Duke is also survived by several cousins, and many nieces and nephews. Duke was raised in Latham and was a graduate of Christian Brothers Academy. He worked at Vosburgh's Service Station and his family's business, Doukas Bar and Grill, in Latham, until his service in the Army from 1953-1955. He assumed ownership of the grill in 1961 and ran it until his retirement in 1995. He then began part-time work at Roma Importing and Enterprise Car Rental. He enjoyed spending time at his camp on Hunt Lake in the Adirondacks. He was a devoted fan of Jimmie Johnson, the Washington Redskins and the New York Yankees. Duke was a life-time member of the Colonie Elks and S.W. Pitts Fire Department. Also a member of the Knights of Columbus #3394, the American Legion Post #1450, the HV Volunteer Fireman's Association, and the Schenectady Vets Club. Past member and sponsor in the Latham Merchants Bowling League, Knights of Columbus and Colonie Elks Dart Leagues and for over 30 years sponsored the Doukas Grill team in the Latham Babe Ruth League. Duke also volunteered his time weekly making soup for the Open Table Soup Kitchen in Watervliet. Duke had a warm heart, friendly personality, sincere concern for others, and a welcoming smile, all of which made him "Duke" to the many friends and relatives who will miss him dearly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 28, 2015, at 10 a.m., in St. Ambrose Church, 347 Old Loudon Rd., Latham, with Rev. Anthony Barratt, officiating. Relatives and friends may call Tuesday, from 4-7 p.m. at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Waterford. Special thanks to the Community Hospice Inc., Dr. Bakhos of Albany Medical Center, Dr. Lamparello of NYOH, and all of the wonderful and caring nurses who contributed to his care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Duke's memory to The Nicholas H. Yarter Trust, c/o Attorney Lisa Hunter-Mason, Trustee, 31 Appleton Road, Auburn, MA 01501. For directions, information, to light a memory candle or order flowers for the family please visit dufresneandcavanaugh.com.