Obituary of Constantine J. "Duke" Doukas

CONSTANTINE "DUKE" DOUKAS LATHAM – Constantine J. "Duke" Doukas, 82, of Latham, passed into eternal rest and peace with the Lord on Friday, October 23, 2015, at his home with his loving family by his side after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Born on August 9, 1933, in Troy, he was the son of the late Constantine "Gus" and Anna (Dobler) Doukas. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Monica "Nickie" (Fafard) Doukas; his loving children, Matthew Doukas of Tulsa, OK, Teresa (Rick) Choppa of Latham, and Cynthia (Geoff) Miller of Green Island; his cherished grandchildren, Eric and Rachel Choppa, and Zachary, Nathaniel and Noah Miller, all who will forever miss their "Pepere"; his loving sister, Marina (late William) Austin, of Latham; and surviving cousins, James Barker of Auburn, Joan Casey of Troy, and Anastasia Doukas Reyna of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was predeceased by his youngest sister, Anna Mary, in 1951, and by his sister- and brother-in-law, Lucille and William Richmond. Also remembered by his sister-and brother-in-law Suzanne and Gerald Yarter of Latham, and sister-in-law Lorraine (late Peter) Woodin of Inglis, FL. Duke is also survived by many nieces and nephews as well as a countless number of friends who all enjoyed his initial cheerful greeting, "Hi, my name is Constantine, but my friends call me Duke." Duke's parents initially entered the restaurant and bar business by operating the Albia Tavern in Troy. After a fire in 1939, they moved to Latham to raise their family while operating Doukas' Bar and Grill on Old Loudon Road, a long-standing community gathering place. Duke attended elementary school in Latham and attended Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, graduating in 1950. He worked at the family business and at Vosburgh's Service Station in Latham, before entering the U.S. Army in 1953. Upon his honorable discharge in 1955, he once again returned to work at the business, and in 1961, he and his wife assumed operation and ownership. Both Duke and Nickie, along with their son, Matt, enjoyed many years serving faithful regulars, and continuing the traditions, including free New Year's Eve dinner for patrons. After retiring and selling the business in 1995, he began part-time work at Roma Importing Company and Enterprise Car Rental. An avid hunter and fisherman, Duke enjoyed many days and parties at his camp, "Jaguar's Lair," on Hunt Lake in the Adirondacks. He was a devoted fan of Jimmie Johnson, the Washington Redskins and the New York Yankees, and for many years, along with several of his friends, had a seat in a reserved box on third base. Always involved, Duke was a member of the Colonie Elks Lodge #2192 for 54 years, where he was elected a life-time member. He was also a member of the Latham Knights of Columbus #3394, the American Legion Post #1450 in Halfmoon, life-time member of the S.W. Pitts Latham Volunteer Fire Department, the Hudson Valley Volunteer Fireman's Association, and the Schenectady Vets Club. Duke was a past member and sponsor in the Latham Merchants Bowling League, Knights of Columbus and Colonie Elks Dart Leagues, and for over 30 years sponsored the Doukas Grill baseball team in the Latham Babe Ruth League. For many years, Duke also volunteered his time weekly making soup for the Open Table Soup Kitchen in Watervliet. Duke had a warm heart, friendly personality, sincere concern for others, and a welcoming smile, all of which made him "Duke" to the many friends and relatives who will miss him dearly. A Mass of Christian Service will be celebrated on Wednesday October 28 at 10:00 am at St. Ambrose Church, Old Loudon Road, where a young Duke served as an altar boy, celebrated by the Rev. Anthony Barratt, pastor. Friends and family may call at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham on Tuesday October 27, 2015 from 4:00-7:00 pm Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Waterford. Special thanks to The Community Hospice Inc., Dr. Bakhos of Albany Medical Center, Dr. Lamparello of New York Oncology Hematology, and all of the wonderful and caring nurses who contributed to his care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Duke's memory to The Nicholas H. Yarter Trust, c/o Attorney Lisa Hunter-Mason, Trustee, 31 Appleton Road, Auburn, MA 01501. For directions, information, to light a memory candle or order flowers for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.