DUKE, Joe

Joe Duke, 58, of Tempe, left us for a better place where the Sun Devils ALWAYS beat the pants off the Wildcats on January 13, 2004. His life-long sports fanship and Red Sox loyalty began as a young child in Manchester, New Hampshire. There, he earned his Eagle Scout Badge, graduated from Mount Hermon Preparatory Academy, and acquired his grandmother's highly coveted clam chowder recipe. In 1964 he headed to Arizona State University where he would pursue his bachelors and law degrees, become President of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, serve in the Arizona National Guard and begin to avidly follow Sun Devil sports. He was only distracted when he met his wife and friend of 35 years, Pam. He chose to dedicate his life's work to public practice and most of his career was spent with The Maricopa County Attorney's Office where he earned the title of Chief County Council. In this capacity, he participated in many organizations to benefit his community including co-founding The Arizona Civil Deputies Association, leading negotiations for Bank One Ball Park Project and serving on The Tempe Planning and Zoning Committee. He also retained his connection with A.S.U. as a member of the Sun Angel/Sun Devil and Phoenix Alumni Associations. Despite the commitments, he always had plenty of time for his wife, two children, and countless numbers of friends. 1992 Champion Little League Coach, Soccer Coach, Family Dog Walker, San Diego Beach Bum and Everyone's Favorite Clam Chowder Chef, were what he considered his most valuable roles. In 2000, Joe's beach garb began to get a lot more wear when he retired from the county and began working for Sacks Tierney PA, part-time. In semi-retirement Joe enjoyed traveling to Peru, China, Costa Rica, and The Galapagos, amongst many other remarkable destinations. He will be missed by his mother, Helen, wife, Pam, children Kristin and Greg, future son-in-law, Dan and many friends who are considered family. It is clear that this life-long sports fan left the world on top of his game. A Memorial was held on January 25, 2004, at Lakeshore Mortuary, 1815 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Joe Duke Student Athlete Scholarship Fund through Bank of America, account #004655984962 or the American Heart Association Stroke Prevention. Published in the Arizona Republic on 1/16/2004.