Richard B. Duncan

Richard Bevier Duncan, 87, of Lancaster, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2015 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Betty (Bowen) Duncan, with whom he just celebrated 59 years of devoted marriage.

Born in Chicago, IL on January, 10 1928, he was the son of Frederick B. and Dorothy M. (Bevier) Duncan. He graduated from Clifford Scott High School, East Orange, NJ where he was on both the football and track teams. Dick attended Amherst College, MA, where he graduated in 1951 with a B.A. in English and was a member of Alpha Delta Phi fraternity.

He honorably served his country in the peacetime U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1947.

In 1955, Dick began working for Armstrong World Industries, first as a writer in Advertising & Promotion. He retired as the Editor of the Floor Plant Journal after 32 years of loyal employment.

Dick was a member of Lancaster Jaycees, Lancaster Optimist Club (board member & president), Lancaster Historical Society, Red Rose Coin Club (board member & president six times), Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists (board member & editor of The Clarion, the state magazine for 25 years) and American Numismatists Association. He was an exhibit judge and recipient of many awards at local, state and national levels. Dick was the coordinator of the Morgan’s Raiders, a men’s luncheon group. He was also a member of the Book Sale Committee at the Lancaster Public Library.

Dick enjoyed golf as a member of Conestoga Country Club for over 50 years, and he bowled on the Armstrong League Team at Leisure Lanes.

He was a devoted member of Bethany Presbyterian Church, serving as both an ordained ruling elder and Deacon, as well as playing in the bell choir.

He was a long-time usher at the Fulton Opera House, Ephrata Performing Arts Center, and the Hershey Theater.

Dick is survived by his loving wife Betty (Bowen) Duncan, of Lancaster; two daughters, Cynthia LaMaster, of Lancaster, and Deborah, wife of Louis Vittorio, of Chalfont, PA; a son, David J. Duncan, of Columbia, PA ; a brother, J. Bruce Duncan, New Canaan, CT; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Dorothy Duncan; a brother, James Duncan; and a son-in-law, Stephen LaMaster.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Celebration of his life at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 25 N. West End Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603 on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Kent Holmes officiating. Family will greet friends and relatives from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dick’s memory may be made to the music endowment at Bethany Presbyterian Church, address listed above; the Fulton Opera House, 12 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA 17603; the Lancaster Public Library, 125 N. Duke St., Lancaster, PA 17602; Hospice & Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.

Dick had a great sense of humor, loved wordplay, puns, crossword puzzles and time with family and friends. Dick was dearly loved and will be remembered fondly.