Duke Rakich, 84, of Steubenville, Ohio died unexpectedly on Friday, May 20, 2016 in Macon, Georgia. He was born July 25, 1931 in Steubenville the son of the late Rada & Sophia Grgich Rakich. Duke was a lifelong member & past president of Holy Resurrection Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church; Serbian Mens Club; S.H.S. Alumni Association; Big Red Boosters and the “Hustling 8’s”; Steubenville Kiwanis Club (past president); Williams Country Club; City of Steubenville Tax Review Board and Jefferson County Sportsman Association (past president). Duke was retired from steel sales.
Preceding Duke in death were his sister, Dean Rakich (late Harold) Carter; brothers-in-law George Sarap, Nick Banda & Mitch Banda; sisters-in-law Betty Banda (late Ralph) LaPlante & Helen “Flip” Banda (late Murrill) Ralsten; and nephew Raymond Carter.
Duke is survived by his wife Florence Banda Rakich, whom he married on September 4, 1955; daughter Dr. Dawn M. Rakich of San Antonio, Texas; son Dr. Duke M. (Cheryl) Rakich of Dublin, Ohio; three grandchildren Victoria, Jake & Shane; sister Celia “Mimi” Sarap of Steubenville; sisters-in-law Dorothy Banda (Jim) Byers & June Banda of Weirton; brother-in-law Doug (Lorena) Banda of Louisville, Kentucky; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, 215 Fernwood Road, Wintersville, Ohio on Monday 4-8 p.m. On Tuesday, friends may call at Holy Resurrection Serbian Church, 530 N. Fourth Street, Steubenville, Ohio from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. with Very Rev. Rade Merick officiating. Entombment at Union Cemetery.
Pomen service 7:45 p.m. Monday
Memorials may be directed to Holy Resurrection Serbian Church.
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Condolences
09/03/2024
Rose & Richard Angelica
09/03/2024
Kathleen Miller
09/03/2024
Jeff & Diane Jaye
Flo & Family, sending you heart felt condolences. Memories will live in our hearts forever, Duke was an inspiration to us & he will be greatly missed.
09/03/2024
Brandi Whitaker
09/03/2024
Burt Musulin
Flo, Duke, Jr., & Dawn,I was so sorry to read of Duke's passing. He was truly one of the best. Always a warm greeting, a good story, and a heart of gold. Good husband, good father, and a hard worker all of his life. I have great memories of spending time with Duke. If God made any better than this man, He is hiding them. Vecna ja Pamjat!Love, Jim
09/03/2024
Theresa Stotler
Flo and Family, So sorry for your unexpected lost of your loved one, May His Memory Be Eternal. He was such a gracious man and always willing to go the extra mile for anyone who need help.
09/03/2024
Theresa and Bob Stotler
09/03/2024
The Lazic Family
We were deeply sadened to hear of Duke's passing. Our heart felt condolences to Flo and Duke's entire family! He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed!
09/03/2024
Debbie (Davis) Sturm
I was so sad to hear of Duke's unexpected death, Marvin Gosseye called me this weekend. I have so many memories of him.....parties at your home on LaBelle, family gatherings with Georgie, funny stories involving my dad Bill Davis, even running into him in Tempe, Arizona at the Fiesta Bowl!!! A life well lived-- full of family, friends, and laughter. Thinking of you.
09/03/2024
Patricia Dalesio
To the Rakich Family: I offer my deepest and heartfelt sympathies to all of you......
09/03/2024
Greg Cook
09/03/2024
Jim, Eberle, Ryan and Matthew Lazear
So sorry about the passing of our great friend "Duke". Flo and him were just at Matthew's grad party and he looked awesome. Of course Flo Looked awesome as usual. We will keep in touch!Rest in peace our friend, The Lazear's
09/03/2024
Linda Chilenski Burke
Flo and family,My hear felt condolences on your loss, Duke was truly the best boss I ever had, he will be missed by many....
09/03/2024
Mitch Cole
Our sympathy and prayers go out to Mrs. Rakich, Dawn and Duke. Really sport to hear of Big Duke's passing. Kay and I shall be lifting y'all up in prayers. Take care and be Blessed.Love to all, Mitch.
09/03/2024
Cheryl (Cook) Bryan
09/03/2024
Rita Albrecht and Family
Dawn and family,Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your loss. Although I did not know him well, I remember him as a kind and funny person. Most of all, I saw how supportive he was of you. He will live on in your love and memories of him. Rita
09/03/2024
Stevan Grgić
09/03/2024
Cynde Vidas
Dear Flo-- My heartfelt condolences. Duke had a way of making everyone feel special. He was a true legend in the steel business and friend of everyone he met. His was a life well lived.Cynde.
09/03/2024
Roger and Mindy Isla and Family
09/03/2024
Jim and Mary Lou Bonaventura
Flo and family, we were truly sorry to read about Duke. He was such a wonderful friend as were you. We hope that you are left with happy memories of your life together. Please accept our heartfelt sympathyJim and Mary Lou Bonaventura
09/03/2024
John Craig, Myrtle Beach, SC
A good man and a fine gentleman, he will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences to the family.
09/03/2024
Proto Stevo Rocknage and Protinica JoAnn
09/03/2024
Expression of Sympathy
A GRANDMA'S GARDEN TABLE BASKET was ordered on May 22, 2016
09/03/2024
Lois (Nicole) Rembish-Brancazio
09/03/2024
Expression of Sympathy
A TABLE BASKET was ordered on May 22, 2016
09/03/2024
Lois (Nicole) Rembish-Brancazio
Duke was the best boss I've ever had! He was always a gentleman, considerate and fun! Joined him a few years ago at a Kiwanis "Secretaries Day" luncheon. Must have been 10 of his employees with him that day. It was a day I will cherish forever! And a job I was so lucky to have had. God Bless You, Duke. You are one of his best angels now. 🙏🏼
09/03/2024
Ssndy and Dick Donnelly
09/03/2024
Expression of Sympathy
A RAY OF SUNSHINE was ordered on May 22, 2016
09/03/2024
Michelle Tedreau
09/03/2024
Becky Swanson
Dear Dawn and Duke - My deepest condolences on the loss of your dad and a wonderful guy. How fortunate you were to have him for so long. As teenagers, we all thought you had the coolest parents on the planet.
09/03/2024
Expression of Sympathy
A DIGNITY IN WHITE PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was sent on May 22, 2016
Xidis family
09/03/2024
Jerry & Mary Lynn Ricci
09/03/2024
Fr Stevo
Dearest Flo, Dawn, and Duke Jr......our deepest sympathies in your sudden loss....Your Husband and Dad was one of the finest, kindest men I've had the blessing to know....and he taught me much in the summers I worked for him......all our love and prayers, and I will lift up his name at our holy altar!Fr Stevo Rocknage
09/03/2024
Tammy S Habovick
09/03/2024
Expression of Sympathy
A TRADITIONAL FUNERAL BASKET was sent on May 23, 2016
Duke you were a special person and will be greatly missed! With my deepest sorrow! Emory & Deanna Derthick
09/03/2024
Tammy Habovick
Flo my deepest sympathies to you an your children. duke was a wonderful man. He was very dear to my heart. I so enjoyed the time that we spent together while is was president and on the church board. He helped me in many ways as the secretary at the church office. He will be sorely missed.
09/03/2024
rich and sandie richey
09/03/2024
Expression of Sympathy
A "Serenity" 30 inch Wind Chime was sent on May 23, 2016
So sorry for your loss. Love and prayers - Denise, Jen, Deb, Mikki, Gail and Amy
09/03/2024
Debbie Linn Horning
09/03/2024
Expression of Sympathy
A TRADITIONAL FUNERAL BASKET was ordered on May 23, 2016
09/03/2024
Ann & Corky Cavanaugh
Dear Flo and Family,We are so sorry to hear of Duke's passing. He was such a kind, generous man with a great sense of humor. He'll be missed! You have our deepest sympathy. We'll keep you in our prayers.Ann & Corky
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