Francis Thomas Duke Jr., 82, of Lenox, died peacefully on May 7, 2025, at Berkshire Medical Center with family by his side. He was born in Worcester, Mass., on April 23, 1943, to Margaret (Melia) and Francis T. Duke Sr.
Frank attended St. John’s High School and Anna Maria College, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice. He joined the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1965.
Early in his life, Frank worked in construction. He joined the Massachusetts State Police in 1968 and served 32 years as a state trooper, retiring as a Captain in 2000.
Frank enjoyed skiing, golfing, and annual golf trips to Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Lake George, N.Y. One of his greatest joys was following his sons’ sporting activities. When his kids were younger, he coached Lenox little league baseball, basketball, and youth soccer.
Frank and his wife Jessica Camp recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on August 24, 1974, in Great Barrington.
Besides his wife Jessica Duke of Lenox, Frank is survived by his son Christopher Duke (Rachel) and Christopher’s sons, CJ and Anderson, all of Greensboro, N.C.; his sister Sister Mary Duke of Worcester; his brothers-in-law, James Camp (Lydia) and John Camp; his sister-in-law, Roberta Duke and Maureen Duke; his cousin Patricia Damon; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Frank is predeceased by two sons, Daniel and Michael Duke, and four siblings, John, William, Thomas, and Margaret.
The funeral for Mr. Francis T. Duke will be held on Friday, May 16, at 11 a.m., at Trinity Church in Lenox, with Rev. Michael Tuck officiating. Burial will be private in Corashire Cemetery in Monterey. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s memory may be made to the Daniel Duke Scholarship Fund in care of the Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox MA 01240. To share memories and stories, please visit the funeral home’s website.
