Samuel Richard Duncan

Samuel Richard Duncan, born September 30, 1941 to parents Alice Rusby Duncan and Samuel Duncan in Pittsburgh, PA, passed away suddenly but peacefully on June 26, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, honor, service and unwavering devotion to his family.

Samuel proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for more than seven and a half years during the Vietnam War era. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-5) and served as an Electronic Computer Repairman with assignments throughout the United States and overseas in Thailand. During his honorable military service, he earned numerous commendations and decorations in recognition of his dedication and commitment before receiving an Honorable Discharge on August 7, 1968.

Following his military service, Samuel pursued higher education earning a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from Biscayne College, now known as St. Thomas University, before continuing on to earn a Master's degree. He dedicated the next 25 years of his life to public service with the Miami-Dade Police Department. Through hard work, integrity, and exceptional leadership, he rose through the ranks and retired in 1993 as a Detective Lieutenant, earning the respect of both his fellow officers and the community he faithfully served.

Above all else, Samuel was a devoted family man; he was the proud father of three sons: Sammy, Michael, who preceded him in death in 2018, and Ryan. His love for his children never wavered and he found great joy in watching his family grow through future generations.

Samuel shared many wonderful years with his beloved partner, Shirley. Together they enjoyed life's simple pleasures through travel and the companionship of their cherished dogs CP and Vali.

A man of deep and abiding faith, Samuel was a devoted Lutheran; his relationship with God guided every aspect of his life. His faith provided him with strength, comfort and peace; he freely shared his hope with others. One of the expressions he was best known for was : "Your final breath on earth is your first breath in heaven". These words reflected not only his belief in God's promise of eternal life but also the comfort he sought to bring to family and friends during life's most difficult moments.

Samuel was preceded in death by his son, Michael; his sister, Joan; and his beloved dogs, CP and Vali.

He is survived by his sons, Sammy and Ryan; his daughters-in-law, Rocio, Christina, and Tracy; his partner, Shirley; his sisters, Alice (Dick) and Lois; his brother-in-law, Buffalo, with whom he shared a lifelong and special bond; his ten cherished grandchildren : Gabriella, Nicole, Michele, Gustavo, Xander, Danika, Kristian, Ethan, Mackenzie and Abigail; his precious great-granddaughter, Valentina; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends and former colleagues who were blessed to know him.

Samuel will be remembered for his courage, humility, integrity, and steadfast commitment to serving his country and his community. Whether wearing the uniform of the United States Air Force, leading officers as a Police Lieutenant or simply being a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, partner and friend, Sam lived a life of purpose and selfless service; his generosity and compassionate spirit will also be remembered by his family and friends.

His unwavering faith in God, quiet strength, dedication to education, and enduring love for his family will continue to inspire all who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the family he loved so dearly.

As Sam so often reminded those around him, "Your last breath on earth is your first breath in heaven".

May he rest in the eternal peace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Interment will take place at 9:00AM Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 S. State Road 7, Lake Worth, FL 33449.