Dear friends and family, it is with such deep sadness we share the news of the passing of John Maxwell Duke age 95 of Frankford, DE on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

Born March 13, 1930 in Rangoon Burma, John always kept a sunny disposition even though surviving many extreme life difficulties including witnessing WWII death and tragedies as a Japanese captive.

John was the first to leave Burma for a better life in England. After serving in the British Military, he joined sister Maureen and brother Peter in America, landing in New York at the age of 26.

Becoming an auto mechanic, John was employed by several DC area dealerships including King Pontiac where he worked alongside his brother Peter.

Life was hard raising four babies alone for seven years until he met the love of his life Sarah Amzallag. During that time John sacrificed much to provide a stable, yet fun home life for babies Dinky, Boo Boo, Dusty and Baby Billy. Love and attention were not only unselfishly focused on his four, but also other family members and neighborhood kids. Dancing, summer pool parties, camping trips and slumber parties will always be their cherished memories.

Once he met Sarah though, John finally allowed himself to love again and what a love he received! At the age of 42, in spite of a language barrier, he married after only dating for a few months. Sarah had just come to America from Morocco and was living across the street with her sister Josie and family. Now former friends and neighbors were suddenly and gratefully called family. How happy all were to excitedly combine the Amzallag and Duke clans.

John and Sarah travelled and enjoyed life to its fullest, relocating to the sunny west coast for thirty plus years until her passing. At that time, focusing on family again, John returned East, providing more precious time and memories with grand and great grandchildren.

Surviving John are children Donna, Jonathon, Warren (Dusty) and William (Billy), sisters Shirley and Valerie (Judy) and brother Peter. Sherman Martin, Karla Martin, Warren Lee Duke, Korey Duke, James Duke and Beyla Duke are loving, surviving grandchildren. Surviving great grandchildren Josie, Kayleighe Jean, Liam, Dahlila and Ellie will always fondly remember their silly Pappy Duke. John was preceded in death by wife Sarah, brother Charles, sisters Maureen and Pearl, and great grandson Zachary Jace.

A celebration of life is planned mid-March 2026 and details will be provided once scheduled. Until then please lift your Budweiser or glass of red to our Super Hero John and may your next opportunity to dance be in his memory.