06/23/2026
Obituary and Service Information for Lifelong Millerton, NY, Resident Donald Harry "Don" Duncan. Beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother.
Donald Harry Duncan, 78, of Millerton, New York, passed away peacefully at home on
June 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on November 30, 1947, in Millerton, Don was the son of the late Kenneth T.
Duncan and Georgeanna (Jaynes) Duncan. A lifelong resident of Millerton, he was
deeply rooted in the community he loved and in the land that had been part of his family
for generations.
Don earned an Associate Degree in Animal Husbandry from Cornell University and
spent much of his life doing what he loved most—farming. As a proud farmer at
Duncandale Farm, he carried on a family tradition while working tirelessly to preserve
the farmland from future development, ensuring that it would remain open and
productive for generations to come. He took special pride in sharing that work with his
grandchildren, Gabriel, Braeden, and Ariana, who worked alongside him on the farm.
He also worked for twelve years as a machine operator at Kimberly-Clark and later
spent several years working alongside his son, Alex, as a carpenter.
A devoted member of the Millerton community, Don was active in numerous
organizations, including the Millerton Presbyterian Church, the Millerton Grange, and
the Millerton Lions Club. He was especially proud to be one of the Rounders of Riga, a
tradition shared by his father and many of his lifelong friends. Each fall, he eagerly
anticipated deer camp, where he enjoyed hunting, walking the woods, and spending
time with friends who became like family.
Don was a loyal friend and mentor to many, generously sharing his time and support as
a sponsor to fellow friends of Bill W. His quiet wisdom, steady presence, and willingness
to help others left a lasting impact on countless lives, always offering encouragement,
understanding, and hope whenever it was needed.
Nothing brought Don greater joy than his family. In April of 1967, he was set up with
Sharon (Drake) on a blind date for his spring formal with Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.
Six months later they were married, beginning a partnership that would span 58 years
and become the foundation of a life filled with love, laughter, faith, and family. Together
they raised three sons, Bruce (Wendy), Alex (Betsy), and Steven (Kim), and were
blessed with seven grandchildren: Sydney, Chelsea, Bailey, Braeden, Tony, Gabriel, and
Ariana.
When he wasn’t working, Don enjoyed fishing, hunting, solving Sudoku puzzles, spoiling
his cats, and the many ski trips he shared with family and friends over the years. He
appreciated life’s simple pleasures and found happiness in everyday moments.
In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Don is survived by his sister, Patricia
Flood of Millerton, and his brother, James Duncan (Annette) of Ballston Spa, New York,
and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother-in-
law, Thomas Flood, his in-laws, Herbert and Helen Drake, and his brother-in-law, David
Drake.
Those who knew Don will remember his kindness, humility, strong work ethic, and
unwavering dedication to family, friends, faith, and community. His legacy lives on in the
land he cherished, the family he loved, and the many lives he touched. And while we
mourn his absence, we take comfort in imagining him reunited with his dear friend
Bob—casting a line, swapping stories, and sharing a laugh once again.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the many physicians, nurses, aides, and
caregivers who supported Don throughout his journey. They are especially grateful to
Dr. Ash*ta Talsania of Smilow Cancer Hospital in Torrington, whose extraordinary skill,
compassion, dedication, and unwavering care over many years meant more to Don and
his family than words can express.
All services will be held on Wednesday, July 1st at South Amenia Presbyterian Church,
229 South Amenia Road, Wassaic, NY. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a
Celebration of Life at 12:00 noon. A reception will follow in the church social hall.
Don was happiest in casual clothes and always greeted others with a smile. To
celebrate the way he lived, the family encourages guests to wear colorful, casual
clothing and to bring a smile of their own.
Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s memory to Yale New Haven Hospital,
Fund for Smilow Cancer Hospital, Office of Development, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven,
CT 06508 to help advance research, treatment, and hope for individuals and families
facing blood cancers, or to the Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation, 80 Washington
Street, Suite 204, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. The family is deeply grateful for the
exceptional care, comfort, and dignity provided by hospice during Don's final days.
Please note "Donald Duncan" in the memo line of any check donation. Online gifts may
also be made through either organization.
The family also encourages those who can to donate blood. Don's life was extended
and enriched by the generosity of blood donors, and their gifts made a meaningful difference.