John Sette Ducate

COLUMBIA - John Sette Ducate went to be with the Lord Wednesday, December 9th 2015. Born December 4, 1919 in Union City, NJ, he was a son of Francesco and Maria Pasquale Setteducate. A funeral service will be held at 10am Saturday, December 12th at Living Spring Lutheran Church. The family will receive friends on Friday, December 11, 2015 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Dunbar Funeral Home Northeast Chapel on Hardscrabble Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Pawmetto Lifeline or Blythewood High School Education Foundation, John S Ducate Engineering Scholarship. In his "Conclusion" chapter of Walden, Thoreau says, "I learned this, at least, by my experiment; that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” These words, written by a 19th century writer nearly a century before the birth of John Sette Ducate, would become a testament to the manner in which our husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend lived a life rich in blessings and accomplishments. Born on December 4, 1919 in Union City, New Jersey to Frank and Mary Pasquale Setteducate, his early life with three brothers was similar to many immigrant families of that time, and it was with the love and support of that family that an entrepreneurial spirit was born. Today, he is considered the epitome of a true renaissance man, but those who know him best, understand that he was a man who faced every challenge as an opportunity for joy. His successes and accomplishments as a leader in manufacturing garnered him global acclaim. His passion and talent as a craftsman earned him the respect of professional artisans, and allowed him to design and create much of what you see before you today in this church he so dearly loved. His abilities as an airplane pilot, and boat captain brought him immense pleasure and satisfaction, and allowed him to be an active participant in his world-wide travels and adventures with family and friends. Our father’s most defining attributes would have to be his love of God, Country and family. He was at his happiest with everyone gathered around his table sampling and savoring the culinary delights and creations that came from an always bustling kitchen and it was this kitchen that was always the heartbeat of his home. Staunch in his political ideologies, he envisioned a country where everyone has the same opportunities that blessed his life. In his last weeks, he remained adamant that America sits at a critical juncture, and his prayer was that our citizens would bring back a return to greatness. Finally, he never wavered in his faith that all things are possible through Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. His wife and helpmate of 36 years, Mrs. Anne L. Ducate, loved and supported him throughout the many twists and turns of their lives. He was the absolute love of her life, and she will forever remain his loyal and steadfast soul mate. Throughout his life, his children, Mr. John Robert Ducate (Mary), Mrs. Dianne McConegly (John), Mrs. Peggy DeMasi (Richard, deceased), Mr. Robert Ducate (deceased), Mrs. Carole Johnson (Scott), Mrs. Susie Roder (Doug) and Mrs. Pepper Busbee (Glen) have been proud witnesses to his many honors and his profound influence upon the community. Although his formal education was ended abruptly without completion, he was recognized by his beloved Gamecocks, with an honorary doctorate in engineering from the University of South Carolina, and in addition, holds an honorary chair in the University’s College of Engineering. In the spirit of giving back and promoting others, he has served as a member of the Palmetto Health Foundation, a lifetime member of the Lutheran Men in Mission, and was a charter member of Living Springs Lutheran Church. John Sette Ducate leaves a rich legacy for his children, 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. We have been blessed as recipients of his love, generosity and unparalleled enthusiasm for life, treasuring all moments both big and small. In his memory and in honor of this legacy, we are charged with daring greatly, and in the words of Thoreau, we will move confidently forward in the direction of our dreams.