Robert Thomas Duncan

GARDNER - Robert T. Duncan of 36 Rouville Ave., Gardner, died peacefully at his home Tuesday, February 7, 2012. Born Feb 15, 1930 in Worcester Ma to Edwin C. Duncan and Anne (Hackett) Duncan.  Edwin was from Newark, New Jersey and Anne from Westborough, Ma. Robert (known as Bob or "Dunc") was the third of four boys and is predeceased by his brothers Edwin, Alexander and Donald.   Bob grew up in Fitchburg's south side where he made many life long friends and a special dozen who called themselves the Aztecs. Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Thelma  Pienimaa Duncan, daughters Catherine Pray of Medfield Ma and Cynthia Bradley of Burlington Ct, son-in-laws Robert Pray and Quentin Bradley, grand children Christopher and wife Courtney Pray, Cory Pray, Ian Bradley and Kelly Bradley, and great grand daughter Chelsea Pray. Also by brother Donald 's wife Elizabeth Duncan and their children Kathleen and husband Barry Marson,  David and wife Robin Duncan, Eileen and husband Mark Barnes, and Diahann and husband Edward Brooks, Edwin's son Robert and wife Beth Duncan, Alexander's daughter  Deborah and husband Dave Earle and fifteen grand-nephews and nieces. Robert graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1948.  While at Fitchburg Bob quarterbacked the football team, played point guard on the basketba team and catcher for the baseball team, winning a total of nine varsity letters.  In 2001 he was inducted into the Fitchburg High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Bob continued his basketball career at Fitchburg State College, graduating in 1953.  He taught mathematics and coached football, basketball and track at Gardner High School between 1955 and 1990 and became one of Central Massachusetts' top track officials.  He organized the first girls track team at GHS in1971.  In 1989 he was inducted into the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association Hall of Fame.  The District E Boys Teack Relays are now known as the Robert Duncan Relays. His track teams recorded a dual meet record of 101-27 with five league titles, three district championships and three North Central Mass. conference relay crowns. Bob served as assistant football coach at Gardner from 1955 to 1965 and during that span his freshman team was so successful it lost but one game in eleven years.  He also served as Faculty Manager of Athletics at GHS from 1969 until 1982.  Bob was inducted into the Gardner High School Football Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Gardner High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000. In retirement Bob and Thelma enjoyed spending winters at Myrtle Beach, SC and traveling the globe visiting thirty-five countries.    When in Gardner, Bob could be found most days getting in a round of golf at the Gardner Municipal Golf Course.  A fond and proud grandfather, Bob attended many many of his grandsons' football, hockey and lacrosse games as well as his grand daughter's equestrian events. A fan of the New York Giants since the 1950's, Bob was one of few area residents pleased with the outcome of Sunday's Superbowl game. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 11, 2012, at 10 a.m. in the Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon St., Gardner.  Burial will be private. Calling hours will be held Friday, February 10, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Mack Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Health Alliance Home Health Care & Hospice (HAHHH), 25 Tucker Drive, Leominster, MA 01453 or to a charity of your choice. To sign the online guestbook please visit www.mackfuneralhome.com. Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon St., Gardner is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });