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- Robert F. LaDuca, Sr., 98, passed away on August 25, 2024, at Wheatfield Commons under the care of Niagara Hospice. His family and friends surrounded him in love. He was a devoted and caring father, grandfather, and a loving, supportive husband.
He was born in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Joseph P. (Margaret) LaDuca. He was married to Jilda D. (Diflorio) LaDuca for 60 years. Jilda predeceased him on December 15, 2019. They lived in Lewiston, NY where they raised 5 children before retiring to St. Augustine, FL. in the fall of 1993.
His witty sense of humor brought joy to family and friends. As a young man of 18 years, he served as an air force cadet in the United States Army Air Force in WWII.
He graduated from the University of Buffalo where he also received his master’s degree in biology and science. He was an advanced science educator and later a school administrator in Niagara Falls, N.Y. school system for 37 years. During his administrative career, one would often find him in the classroom joining the appreciative students in writing poetry and short essays.
During his education career, he was twice awarded National Science Foundation Grants to partake in advanced science summer seminars at Loretto Heights College in Denver, Col., and again at Thiel College in Greenville, PA. His interest in young adults encouraged him to devote his time and talent to school youth-related organizations including the N.Y. State Youth Bureau. He was host to a cable television program “Remember When” in Niagara Falls, NY. The program brought together people of various interests.
He actively served for several years as General Chairman of the Catholic Charities drive in Lewiston, N.Y. and with public relations United Givers’ Fund. He was also active in the Republican party and served as a Republican committeeman in the town of Lewiston.
He was a member of the National Assoc. of School Administrators and the School Administration Association of New York State.
When he moved to St. Augustine, he was a volunteer at the University of Florida Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Research Center in Palm Coast, Fl. where he introduced school children to the varieties of marine life.
He was a keen observer, a voracious reader interested in all forms of writing especially poetry. He also enjoyed golfing with friends. He loved music and was fond of singing and playing his mandolin and violin and his new interest, guitar. He also enjoyed cooking specialty Italian dishes.
He and his wife traveled extensively, but his happiest memories were with his children and grandchildren each summer at their Eagle Island Lake house, “On Eagle’s Wings,” Kawagama Lake, Ontario, Canada.
He was a member of the Marsh Creek Country Club, St. Augustine Concert Assoc., First Coast Opera, St. Augustine Ballroom Dance Association, and a member of St. Anastasia Catholic Church. He was also a member of The American Legion, St. Augustine, and a former member of the Elks Club.
Mr. LaDuca is survived by his 4 sons Robert F. Jr., (Barbara), and Ronald W. (Karen) of Lewiston, N.Y., Jeffrey P. (Kelly) of Wheatfield, N.Y., William D. of Atlanta, GA., and one daughter Bonita S. (Amy) of Minneapolis, MN. His brother Joseph P. Jr. predeceased him. He is survived by one sister, Mary Ruth Fortunato of Williamsville, N.Y. He was blessed with five loving grandchildren, Lauren (Reid), Kristen, Bryan, Michael (Michele), and Justin from Lewiston, and six great-grandchildren Lily, Colin, Nolan, Ayla, Maria, and Gianna. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He passed away quietly in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, leaving his family with many memories of one filled with love of life.
A private memorial service for the celebration of his life will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial and Entombment with Military Honors will be in Gate of Heaven—Holy Angels Mausoleum, Lewiston, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Center in Memphis, Tenn., or to Food for the Poor, Inc. Coconut Creek, Florida. Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
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