Joseph Dwyer Duke

Dwyer was well-known throughout downtown Mobile and the Mardi Gras community. Said to be an introvert who was comfortable at home without anyone except perhaps his wife, but equally who loved spending time with his many friends. Every afternoon he would be downtown during happy hour, likely watching Jeopardy. He became one of the best moderators and trivia host in the city, winning four NAPPIE Awards voted on by readers of Lagniappe newspaper.

One of his passions was cooking, one which he shared freely with family, friends and even strangers. He had an amazing tradition that began over 30 years ago of cooking food each Mardi Gras Day on Dauphin Street and giving it away to anyone who stopped by and wanted it. This tradition was even practiced in 2021 during COVID and, like every other year, everything cooked was given away. Twice a year, in the spring and fall, he invited family and friends to his home for some of his famous BBQ consisting of brisket, pulled pork and ribs.

He was also a modern “nerd”, loving his table top war games, Dungeons and Dragons and other similar distractions.

Dwyer was preceded in death by his parents Richard A. Duke Sr. and Dolores Thompson Duke.

He is survived by his wife Lillian Dean, brother Richard A. Duke Jr. (Priscilla), sister Jennifer Duke Knight (John), sister Catherine Duke (Michael), son Gavin Dean, nephews Richard Duke III (Kendall), Ryne Linsley (Andrea), niece Patricia Kaye Duke, first wife Tammy Duke (Shane)and many friends he called family.

He was a member of two mystic societies and a long-time proud member of the Friendly Sons of St, Patrick of Mobile. He was employed by Ascenses.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 30 at the Brickyard on Dauphin Street in downtown Mobile moderated by the Rev. Wayne Dean Sr. aka Chief Slacabamorinico IV.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial gifts be made to United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile (ucpmobile.org).

Arrangements by Radney’s Funeral Home, Dauphin Street, Mobile.