Thank you!
Your support is sustaining the future of local news in our communities.

Donald Harry Duncan

Donald Harry Duncan

MILLERTON — Donald Harry Duncan, 78, of Millerton, New York, passed away peacefully at home on June 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on Nov. 30, 1947, in Millerton, Don was the son of the late Kenneth T. Duncan and Georgeanna (Jaynes) Duncan. A lifelong resident of Millerton, he was deeply rooted in the community he loved and in the land that had been part of his family for generations.

Don earned an Associate Degree in Animal Husbandry from Cornell University and spent much of his life doing what he loved most—farming. As a proud farmer at Duncandale Farm, he carried on a family tradition while working tirelessly to preserve the farmland from future development, ensuring that it would remain open and productive for generations to come. He took special pride in sharing that work with his grandchildren, Gabriel, Braeden, and Ariana, who worked alongside him on the farm. He also worked for twelve years as a machine operator at Kimberly-Clark and later spent several years working alongside his son, Alex, as a carpenter.

A devoted member of the Millerton community, Don was active in numerous organizations, including the Millerton Presbyterian Church, the Millerton Grange, and the Millerton Lions Club. He was especially proud to be one of the Rounders of Riga, a tradition shared by his father and many of his lifelong friends. Each fall, he eagerly anticipated deer camp, where he enjoyed hunting, walking the woods, and spending time with friends who became like family.

Don was a loyal friend and mentor to many, generously sharing his time and support as a sponsor to fellow friends of Bill W. His quiet wisdom, steady presence, and willingness to help others left a lasting impact on countless lives, always offering encouragement, understanding, and hope whenever it was needed.

Nothing brought Don greater joy than his family. In April of 1967, he was set up with Sharon (Drake) on a blind date for his spring formal with Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. Six months later they were married, beginning a partnership that would span 58 years and become the foundation of a life filled with love, laughter, faith, and family. Together they raised three sons, Bruce (Wendy), Alex (Betsy), and Steven (Kim), and were blessed with seven grandchildren: Sydney, Chelsea, Bailey, Braeden, Tony, Gabriel, and Ariana.

When he wasn’t working, Don enjoyed fishing, hunting, solving Sudoku puzzles, spoiling his cats, and the many ski trips he shared with family and friends over the years. He appreciated life’s simple pleasures and found happiness in everyday moments.

In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Don is survived by his sister, Patricia Flood of Millerton, and his brother, James Duncan (Annette) of Ballston Spa, New York, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother-in-law, Thomas Flood, his in-laws, Herbert and Helen Drake, and his brother-in-law, David Drake.

Those who knew Don will remember his kindness, humility, strong work ethic, and unwavering dedication to family, friends, faith, and community. His legacy lives on in the land he cherished, the family he loved, and the many lives he touched. And while we mourn his absence, we take comfort in imagining him reunited with his dear friend Bob—casting a line, swapping stories, and sharing a laugh once again.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the many physicians, nurses, aides, and caregivers who supported Don throughout his journey. They are especially grateful to Dr. Ashita Talsania of Smilow Cancer Hospital in Torrington, whose extraordinary skill, compassion, dedication, and unwavering care over many years meant more to Don and his family than words can express.

All services will be held on Wednesday, July 1st at South Amenia Presbyterian Church, 229 South Amenia Road, Wassaic, NY. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:00 noon. A reception will follow in the church social hall.
Don was happiest in casual clothes and always greeted others with a smile. To celebrate the way he lived, the family encourages guests to wear colorful, casual clothing and to bring a smile of their own.

Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s memory to Yale New Haven Hospital, Fund for Smilow Cancer Hospital, Office of Development, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508 to help advance research, treatment, and hope for individuals and families facing blood cancers, or to the Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation, 80 Washington Street, Suite 204, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. The family is deeply grateful for the exceptional care, comfort, and dignity provided by hospice during Don’s final days. Please note “Donald Duncan” in the memo line of any check donation. Online gifts may also be made through either organization.

The family also encourages those who can to donate blood. Don’s life was extended and enriched by the generosity of blood donors, and their gifts made a meaningful difference.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY 12546, www.conklinfuneralhome.com.

Latest News

Classifieds - July 9, 2026

Classifieds - July 9, 2026

SERVICES OFFERED

Héctor Pacay Landscaping and Construction LLC: Fully insured. Renovation, decking, painting; interior exterior, mowing lawn, garden, stone wall, patio, tree work, clean gutters, mowing fields. 845-636-3212.


Keep ReadingShow less

Firefighters’ Fourth of July

Firefighters’ Fourth of July
Photo by Nathan Miller

The Amenia Fire Co.’s Fourth of July parade, fair and fireworks extravaganza drew a crowd of over 100 people to enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, peppers, fried dough and a fireworks display that carried on despite heavy rain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton gets ready for 175th anniversary celebration

The Millerton 175th Anniversary Committee's logo.

Illustration Courtesy Village of Millerton

MILLERTON — Months of planning will culminate this weekend as Millerton kicks off nine days of events celebrating the village’s 175th anniversary, with festivities running from July 11 through July 19.

Lisa Hermann, a veteran festival organizer who has been leading the planning effort for Millerton 175, said the process intensified this year as the July start date crept closer.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Dover Stone Church reopened to the public

The public entrance to the Dover Stone Church hiking trail sits on Thomas Whalen’s property along Route 22 in Dover Plains.

Photo by Lucia Iandolo

DOVER PLAINS — Dover Plains resident Thomas Whalen has reached a final settlement with the town to permanently restore public access to the Dover Stone Church hiking trail.

Whalen, who owns the property containing the only entrance to the trail, barred hikers from his land in March 2026 amid a dispute with the town over maintenance costs and safety. The closure came after the town’s license to use the trailhead — granted under a September 2024 settlement agreement, which also included a financial settlement — lapsed in October 2025 without being renewed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook sidewalk improvement’s final phase awaits additional funding

A traffic cone draws attention to a sidewalk hazard along Franklin Avenue in Millbrook on July 4, 2026. The final phase of a sidewalk-improvement project for the north sidewalk on Franklin Avenue is expected to begin by the end of the summer.

Photo by Eloise Pickering

MILLBROOK — The final phase of a three year long sidewalk-improvement project on Franklin Avenue is slated to begin later this summer with funding almost in place.

The fourth and final stage covers the north side of Franklin Avenue from Friendly Lane to Front Street. According to Millbrook Mayor Peter Doro, the focal point of the project is to improve safety and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. As of Tuesday morning, July 7, a detailed funding plan for the construction has yet to be announced.

Keep ReadingShow less
Libraries, Town Halls open as cooling centers during heat wave

Community cooling centers opened across Dutchess County last week as temperatures climbed into the upper 90s, prompting officials to warn residents about dangerous heat just days before the powerful July 4 storm swept through the region.
Many libraries, town halls and community facilities offer cooling center services during heatwaves, offering air-conditioned spaces, drinking water and restrooms. Temperatures reached into the triple digits in some areas of the county on Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3.

Northeast-Millerton Library, located at 28 Century Blvd., is open and air-conditioned during its normal business hours during heatwaves, offering an air conditioned space and drinking water. The North East Town Hall, at 19 N. Maple Ave., is also available during normal business hours.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.