Saturday, May 16, 2020
To April, Jeff, family & friends,
I have known Duke personally dating back to the 70's when we were playing 12" softball in the Joliet Park District. Duke was a gifted athlete, strong, and one of the best softball players in the area. He could play all the positions but seemed to pitch most of the time when I started to play along side him. As he began to lose interest in pitching, he started to teach me the skills in the position. His goal was to get me interested so I would begin pitching and he could play other positions. His hope worked and I took over the pitching duties. That was the only position I played for the remaining time in my softball career. I did not have the same skill level as Duke, far from it. However, in 1978, I was fortunate enough to pitch a perfect game in 12" slow-pitch softball in an area tournament. A no-hitter is rare in slow-pitch softball but a perfect game is unheard of. I owe the accomplishment to Duke. Not only did Duke possess athletic skills, but he was an excellent teacher and coach. Over the years I would see him at Town & Country Bowling lanes watching the bowlers. He was an excellent bowler in his hey day too. My condolences to his family on his passing. He will be missed. Rest in peace my friend.
