LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Edward J. Duncan, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Edward J. Duncan of Dover Plains, New York, died on Sunday,
May 24, 2009, at the age of 64; and
WHEREAS, Born on June 29, 1944, in Sharon, Connecticut, Edward J.
Duncan was the son of the late Walter G. and Grace O'Dell Duncan; from
September 1962 to September 1965, he served in the United States Army;
two years later, on April 29, 1967, he married Judith A. Ciferri; and
WHEREAS, Edward J. Duncan was a fire safety engineer at IBM Corpo-
ration for 27 years before retiring in 1992; and
WHEREAS, Edward J. Duncan distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Edward J. Duncan's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Edward J. Duncan was a life member and past chief of the J.
H. Ketcham Hose Company, and from 1984 to 2004, he served as deputy
coordinator of the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response; he
was also a member of the Dutchess County Fire Chief's Council, the
Volunteer Fireman's Association of New York State, and the Royal Order
of Red Vests; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Edward J. Duncan was a member of the IBM Quarter
Century Club, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Order No. 275
in Poughkeepsie, New York, and the Chestnut Ridge Rod and Gun Club in
Dover Plains, NY; he also enjoyed hunting with his dogs at the Clove
Valley Rod and Gun Club; and
WHEREAS, Edward J. Duncan is survived by his wife of 42 years, Judith
A. Duncan; a son, Robert Duncan and his wife, Stacy; two daughters,
Lisa Parent and her husband, Jeff, and Kimberly Duncan; a brother,
Raymond Duncan and his wife, Wendy; a sister, Cynthia Rogers and her
husband, Robert; and five grandchildren, Courtnie Duncan, Ryan Duncan,
Alison Parent, Lionel Bowser III and Shateek Bowser; as well as numerous
nieces, nephews, cousins, and an abundance of friends; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Edward J. Duncan leaves
behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Edward J. Duncan, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Edward J. Duncan.