Thomas "Duke" E. Folan

Thomas E. “Duke” Folan died Sunday December 11, he was 80 years old. A lifelong Norwood resident, Duke was born March 10th 1936 at Norwood Hospital, attended St. Catherine's and Norwood High School, graduating in 1954. Duke served honorably in the United States Air Force, spending most of his time as a crew member on B-52s.

Duke was the longtime owner of the Norwood institution known as Guild Variety, more commonly referred to as Duke's. Duke's was a special place where locals would meet daily, pick up the morning paper, discuss the day’s events, talks sports, mention goings on around town and argue politics. Duke was a passionate baseball fan and a rabid Dodgers fan. The store was always decorated with pictures and mementos of Dodgers past and present. Duke was also a great supporter of the local baseball and softball teams through sponsorship of Little League and Babe Ruth Teams. Duke truly enjoyed rooting on the Norwood High Mustangs and the American Legion Post 70 baseball teams.

Duke also had a passion for history, specifically The Civil War. He was a voracious reader of all things Civil War and could recite facts, figures and stories like an Ivy League scholar. Duke received numerous awards and recognition such as the Department Of Defense Award for Support of the Guard and Reserve as well as the Norwood Police Association Supporter of The Year award. He was also a member of Norwood Mustangs Gridiron Club, Diamond Club & Knights of Columbus. Duke had many friends, dozens of them former employees. Tim McDonough is the son he never had. Tim worked for many years at the store and as he moved on in life, they always cherished the bond that they shared. Tim made Duke proud every single day. One of Duke's best friends was Tony Yelapi - The Voice of The Night. Tony added the color commentary to any of Duke's stories and ran security for the store, where he was a fixture. Duke loved to reminisce about old times, talk about the history of Norwood and its many neighborhoods and sometimes just spend countless hours driving the back roads of all New England.

Most recently, Duke spent a short time in the Charlwell Nursing Home. He was grateful for all the visitors he received and got to spend time with. The visits from friends, old and new, always brought a smile to his face and another story to be told. Duke will always be remembered for is his friendship and unending charity. He was always there to lend a hand when someone needed it, and never asking for anything in return. He will forever be known as a friend, mentor and father figure to all the young people that worked at the store. A kind and generous man to all, he will be sorely missed.

He was the beloved son of the late Michael J. and Delia (O'Donnell) Foley; brother of the late Mary (Folan) Rogers-McDonough, Michael “Jack” Foley, Francis “Paul” Foley, and Joseph Foley. Survived by Joan Smith, many nieces and nephews, and Tim McDonough. He is also survived and fondly remembered by scores of people whose lives he changed for the better.

Family and friends will gather on Friday December 16 at the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole St., NORWOOD, beginning at 8 AM, and then proceed to St. Catherine of Siena Church for a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at 9 o'clock. Interment with military honors will follow at Highland Cemetery. Visiting hours Thursday 4-7 in the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Duke to St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD 57326.