Dwight “Bill” William Duke III

December 5, 1946 – August 22, 2024

Woodstock – It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our loving father, grandfather, uncle, and husband, Dwight William Duke III, affectionately known as “Bill”. Up until the very end, his humor and quick wit brought joy and lightness to all who met him. He passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on August 22, 2024, at the age of 77. He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Cheryl Dziura-Duke, his son ‘Duke’ and spouse Sara, daughter Kristi and her partner Jim, his grandchildren Keenan, Zuri, Domino, and Nova, sister Debbie (Duke) Zenger and her husband Kirby, brother Randall Duke and his wife Diane, and sister-in-law Sue (Masias) Duke. He will also be missed by Cheryl’s entire family, his numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, his godson Shomarie Remeckie, and many friends. He was predeceased by his father Dwight W. Duke II and mother Florence (Shingleton) Duke, his brother Larry Duke, sisters Susan (Duke) Schone & Ailene (Duke) Gatherum, nephew Tommy Duke, and brother-in-law Richard Schone.

Bill was born in Denver, Colorado. He graduated from Skyline High School in Salt Lake City Utah. An avid scout, he achieved the high honor of Eagle Scout. Bill was a proud 50-year member of LIUNA (Laborers’ International Union of North America), held a BS in Labor history from the National Labor College, and was a passionate advocate and educator. He retired from LIUNA after serving as the National Apprenticeship Coordinator for North America. It was this position that brought him to CT where he met his soulmate, Cheryl, and they celebrated 27 years of marriage in May. Bill’s gift of 40+ years of sobriety was the cornerstone of his adult life. And it must be mentioned that his granddaughters Domino and Nova brought a special sparkling joy and love to his life, and he eagerly looked forward to every trip to visit his kids and grandkids in WA state.

Bill loved his family, every kid he ever met, golf, and sports. He was frequently spotted at Quinnatisset where he was a longtime member and had many good friends. After moving to CT, Bill became an avid Red Sox and UConn Huskies fan. His love of a good cup of coffee or a scoop of ice cream was legendary. Despite living with ALS, Bill could frequently be heard to state “I’ve had a great life. I’ve had a lot of fun.”

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Celebration of Life from 2:00PM to 5:00PM on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church Street, Putnam, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s name to TEEG, PO Box 664, North Grosvenordale, CT, 06255 or to Hospice & Palliative Care of NE CT, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, 06260. For the memorial guestbook, visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.