Bruce W. Dukes

STERLING - Bruce W. Dukes, 69, passed away at the St. Francis Home in Worcester on Thursday, September 20, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in Scottsboro, AL, he was the son of Irve and Betty Rae (Hilley) Dukes.

Bruce will be lovingly missed and remembered by his wife, Ann M. (Mayberry) Dukes of Sterling; two daughters, Natalie Dukes of NC and Briana Dukes of Sterling; two step-sons, William Reeves and his wife, Keli of Gardner and Robert Phinney of Westminster, two step-daughters, Kimberly Reeves of FL and Shannon Phinney of Leominster; two sisters, Frieda Zamaitala and her husband, Steven and Renee Martin and her husband, Billy both of Birmingham, AL; several nieces and nephews and many step-grandchildren.

Bruce proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for 20 years, including 2 tours of duty in Vietnam where he earned the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Presidential Unit Citation. He retired as a Sergeant First Class with the 642nd Engineer Company.

After his retirement, he worked in the trucking industry for the next 20 years and was employed by several local companies including Giroux Brothers and Table Talk Pies, both in Worcester. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed tinkering with old vehicles in his spare time. Bruce also enjoyed NASCAR and cheering on his two favorite football teams, the Alabama Crimson Tide and the New England Patriots.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bruce’s family from 3 to 5 pm on Sunday, September 23 at the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. A memorial service will follow at 5 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org , or to a charity of one’s choice.