J. Darrell Dukes, appreciated all things nautical
J. Darrell Dukes, 72, of Milton, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born Oct. 20, 1951, in Baltimore, Md., son of the late Oakley M. and Leona C. Dukes.
The Dukes family moved to Dewey Beach in 1958. He attended St. Edmond’s Elementary School and Rehoboth High School, and was in the first graduating class of Cape Henlopen High School. Darrell graduated from University of Delaware with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. At UD, Darrell met the love of his life, Heidi L. Dukes (Goetz), and married in Ossining, N.Y., in 1977.
Darrell was employed in various capacities at the family-owned Rehoboth Bay Marina from 14 and was sales manager and president when the business was sold in 1981. Darrell worked as an independent ship transom sign painter before working as a manager at both Indian River Marina and Nassau Boat Sales. He retired as a cabinetry designer from Oceanic Ventures of Lewes in 2019.
Darrell had many interests, particularly in music where he played guitar, keyboard and trumpet, and always preferred to sing harmony. He had perfect pitch and could play music after just hearing it. He loved woodworking and was the ultimate handyman. Darrell appreciated all things nautical, including boating, water skiing, fishing, and crabbing. He and his wife, Heidi, enjoyed traveling, camping, gardening, cooking, smoking BBQ, and attending music, art, car, and craft shows together, especially when his Harley could be used as transportation. Darrell also had a special attachment to his 1951 military Willys Jeep, which he restored and shared with the community at Fort Miles reenactments and Christmas parades. However, Darrell most enjoyed spending time with family and friends, whom he entertained with his dry wit, insightful conversation, and gentle teasing. Well-known for wearing Hawaiian shirts, he was often the instigator of large and small family gatherings and parties at his home.
In addition to his parents, Darrell was predeceased by his brothers, Richard Dukes and William Dukes; and sister, Patricia Foss. He is survived by his wife, Heidi L. Dukes; his daughters, Jennifer and Zachary Johnston (grandsons Owen and Logan), and Kristin and Nicholas Knasiak; his sister, Darlene Tzannakos; his brother, Donald Dukes and his wife Cindy; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 3, at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, followed by a Celebration of Life; colorful attire is appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, donate to the Future Needs Fund of St. Jude the Apostle Parish, 302-644-7300; or to Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park, friendsofcapehenlopen.org/donate.html.
Visit Darrell’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
