Duncan Arleigh Quarless

Duncan Arleigh “DQ” Quarless, 88, of Croton-on-Hudson, NY, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025. He was born on November 19, 1936, in St. Michael, Barbados to Palmer Fitzallan Quarless and Rita Lenora Armstrong.

Duncan proudly served in the Barbados Regiment, where he developed a lifelong discipline, dedication, and sense of service that would guide him throughout his life. After his time in the Regiment, he began working as a telegrapher using Morse Code for Cable and Wireless Communications. As a young man, he played soccer and cricket, with cricket being his greatest passion.

In 1959, Duncan left Barbados for New York. He later received a scholarship to Baruch College, City University of New York, where he earned his degree in Business Administration. He also completed certificates in arbitration and labor negotiation from Cornell University and Harvard University.

Duncan devoted most of his professional life to labor negotiations — a field that reflected his deep belief in fairness, hard work, and community. He spent half of his career representing unions and the other half working in management. During his union days, he worked at District Council 37 (DC37), where he rose to the level of Assistant Division Director, Hospitals Division. To this day, he is described by many as “a legend.” His rare ability to understand and empathize with both sides of the negotiating table earned him deep respect and admiration. Duncan often said, “It doesn’t matter what side of the table you are on — it’s all about doing the right thing.” Those words reflected not only his approach to work but also his life. Guided by integrity, fairness, and compassion, he was deeply regarded, respected, and admired. He concluded his distinguished career as the Director of Human Resources for Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers in New York City.

Outside of work, Duncan was a man of many passions. He loved poetry, gardening, camping, and traveling to various states and countries. He especially loved being near the ocean, whether swimming in the sea or relaxing at the beach, and particularly cherished his annual trips to Florida and Barbados. He also enjoyed cooking and baking. Everyone looked forward to his famous ham and split-pea soup and his delicious coconut bread. He was vibrant, warm, funny, and free with his hugs, kisses, and affectionate words. A kind and generous man, he gave of himself easily and fully.

He was known for his wonderful sense of humor and his joy in telling stories and jokes (often many times over), which never failed to make those around him laugh (no matter how often they were heard). His rich Bajan accent was a joyful reminder of his roots and made these stories even more memorable and endearing.

Duncan was a real man: strong, loving, and unafraid to show his emotions. He would shed a tear without hesitation or apology, a true reflection of the depth of his heart and the authenticity of his spirit. Many would say Duncan was one of those rare people whose memory alone can bring a smile to your face.

Duncan was predeceased by his parents, Palmer Fitzallan Quarless and Rita Lenora Armstrong, and by his brothers, Everett, Nigel, and Anthony Quarless.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Eileen Consilvio, and his cherished brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Denise Waterman.

He leaves behind his loving children:

Francina Downey-Smith (Michael), Duncan Quarless Jr. (Demovia), Anthony Quarless (Niurka), Roxanne Szucs (Christopher), William Quarless (Suki), and James Quarless.

He was the proud grandfather of 20 grandchildren:

From Francina — Asabi Downey and Sade Martindale (Taj);

From Duncan Jr. — Duncan Arleigh Quarless III (Sharlene), Andrew Quarless (Rosie), Travis Quarless, and Danielle Quarless;

From Anthony — Anthony Carlyle Quarless III, Dominique Quarless (Qeyiana), Patora Quarless, Nicolas Quarless, and Alexander Quarless;

From Roxanne — Zachary Halfter (Jillian), Jake Halfter, and Grace Halfter; From William — Kayla Quarless, Ethan Quarless, Bella Quarless, Maya Quarless and Emma Quarless;

From James — Lincoln Quarless.

His legacy continues through 16 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

Duncan is also survived by his step-children: Nina Consilvio (Lawton), Nicole Kazepis (Basil), and Alex Consilvio (Louise); and by his step-grandchildren: Zoe Kazepis, Josie Kazepis, Luca Consilvio, and Charlotte Consilvio.

Family and friends are invited to attend services celebrating Duncan’s life. Visitation will be held at Edward F. Carter Funeral Home, located at 41 Grand Street, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520, on November 13, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The funeral service will take place at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, located at 6 Old Post Rd N, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520, on November 14, 2025, at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to support vulnerable and impoverished children in the Caribbean. A meaningful option is St. Luke’s Episcopal School (http://www.newyorkhaitiproject.org).

Duncan was not only a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather, but also a great friend and mentor to many over the course of his life. He touched the hearts of everyone he met. His dynamic, loving, and affectionate spirit will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.

Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEEBMmcFYFJXEgJ6mJGrBww