John Adam Duke

December 24, 1953 - February 17, 2026

John Duke, 72, of Ocean View, Delaware, formerly of Finksburg, Maryland, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Tidal-Health Peninsula Regional Hospital in Salisbury, Maryland.  He was immediately surrounded by family and friends who loved him deeply.

Born on December 24,1953 in Baltimore, Maryland, he was the son of the late Edwin F. and Carolyn L. (Voss) Duke.  John grew up in Baltimore County as a curious kid with a generous heart. He attended Woodlawn Senior High School and The University of Baltimore.  He was a hard worker with a strong work ethic that began at a very early age, and that trait continued until his death.

John is survived by his wife and best friend of 49 years, Susan (Young) Duke; his daughter, Lisa (Duke) Curtin, son-in-law, Stu Curtin, and granddaughters, Caroline and Emily Curtin; his son, Matthew Duke, daughter-in-law, Lauren (Schneider) Duke, granddaughter Taylor, and grandson Colton Duke.

John had a successful 28-year career at Black and Decker in Towson, Maryland.  He completed his career at Stella Maris in Lutherville, Maryland before retiring to Ocean View, Delaware to be near the beach, which was very important to him.  During his time at both organizations, he was a mentor, an advocate, and most notably a friend to all who worked with him.  Many of those relationships still exist today.  Soon after retiring, summertime life at the beach called to him, so John joined the Bethany Beach Code Ambassador team where he enjoyed the camaraderie.

John will be remembered by many for his kindness, his wonderful sense of humor, his helpfulness, and his ability to make friends with anyone. Those who met him were instantly drawn to his easy-going spirit.  He loved to talk and tell stories to everyone he encountered.  In addition to his love for the beach, he enjoyed fishing, crabbing, and most importantly of late, playing pickleball wherever he could.  He always welcomed a new player and enjoyed sharing his knowledge of the game with others.

John was extremely proud of his children, Lisa and Matt, and he loved them dearly.  He was an amazing, loving, and proud grandfather to his four beautiful grandchildren.  He enjoyed attending their sporting events, taking them fishing, crabbing, walking with them, and watching them laugh and smile at amusement parks.  He and his wife had many plans to continue traveling with them, and watching them grow, learn, and laugh.

Family and friends may gather to pay tribute to John at Melson's Funeral Home, 38040 Muddy Neck Road, Ocean View, Delaware on Thursday, March 12, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m.  A memorial tribute service is scheduled from 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

John touched many lives through multiple generations and his legacy of kindness, creating a lasting impact through compassionate actions to inspire and uplift others, will forever be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in his name to The Marine Education, Research, and Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. (MERR), merrinstitute.org, 801 Pilottown Road, Lewes, DE 19958.  John spoke often about his desire to volunteer with them as he witnessed their hard work along the Delaware coastline.