On October 31, 1941, Victor and Dorothy Duncan welcomed their second, left-handed, and only introverted son, Daniel Headley Duncan. The four Duncan boys: Davey, Danny, Billy, and Ricky “enjoyed” their childhood immensely in Sharon, Pennsylvania, their mother and father … maybe not so much. Dan graduated from Sharon High School in 1959 and went on to receive a degree from Youngstown State. In 1975, he completed his MBA from the University of Baltimore through the encouragement and copy editing of his wife, Karen. Dan served proudly in the US Army and retired a Lieutenant Colonel (his kids thank Uncle Sam for the pension and Tricare).
On April 1, 1967, Dan married Karen Ruscoe (no really, on April Fool’s Day). Dan and Karen welcomed and corralled five kids: Pat, Chris, Tory, Mollye, and Dana. These wonderful and perfect children provided comfort and joy, but most importantly grandchildren. K.C., Erin, Sydney, Stori, Ivan, Madeline, Cecilia, and Francine will sorely miss their beloved-never-say-no Grandpa/Pop Pop.
Employed at various companies and retiring from FedEx in 2007, Dan worked in human resources. As an HR executive, he spearheaded labor negotiations with every group imaginable – from teamsters to teachers’ unions – the latter being the toughest negotiating group he encountered (outside of his children). During this tenure, he perfected the knowing nod. In his professional and personal life, Dan was the quiet in the storm and will be dearly missed.
Dan enjoyed poker/gambling (passing those skills on to his grandchildren), golfing, Snickers (his payment of choice for babysitting), scotch, reading, swimming, working out at his club, March Madness, the Rockets, the Texans, and especially the Houston Astros. Dan supported the Purple Heart Foundation and the SPCA (in appreciation for the free return address labels) with charitable contributions throughout his life.
He loved his children and grandchildren deeply and took great pride in the family he and Karen built. Dan is survived and deeply mourned by: his favorite brother, Rick Duncan (the last man standing); Patrick, Mellany, Madeline, Francine, Cecilia Duncan; Tory, Pete, KC, Erin and Sydney Vonder Haar; Christopher Duncan; Mollye and Donnie King; Dana, Adam, Ivan and Stori Losey; and, many nieces and nephews. Dan was preceded in death by his wife Karen, mother (Dorothy Duncan), father (Victor Duncan), stepmother (Mary Duncan) and his brothers: Billy and Davey. He will be missed, leaving behind many friends and a loving family.
In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family (and Dan) request random acts of kindness in his memory. Please post about your act of awesomeness in the “Share a Memory” section below – the kinder and more random the better.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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