Presque Isle, Maine - Richard H. "Dick" Duncan was born on May 15, 1932, in Presque Isle, Maine, to Merle H. and Alice (Laing) Duncan.

Dick graduated from Presque Isle High School in 1950 and went on to attend the University of Maine in Orono before earning his degree from the New England Institute of Anatomy in Boston in 1954. Even before finishing his studies, he had already begun building the career that would define his legacy by joining Graves Funeral Home in 1952 and transitioning to full-time work upon graduation.

Throughout the following decades, Dick devoted himself to the dignified care of families in his community. He purchased the Mars Hill funeral home, and in 1982 he and his son, Rick, acquired Graves Funeral Home, renaming it Duncan-Graves Funeral Home. He continued in that work until his retirement in 2000, a career spanning nearly 50 years and countless families served with quiet dedication.

Dick was a proud and active member of his community. He was a member and past master of Trinity Lodge #130 A.F. & A.M., a 50-year member of Anah Temple Shrine in Bangor, and past president of the Aroostook Shrine Club. He served as a member and past president of the Mars Hill and Presque Isle Rotary Clubs, and held membership in the Maine Funeral Directors Association. He was a former director and member of the Northern Maine Fair Association, United States Trotting Association, and Maine Harness Racing Commission in Augusta. He also had the honor of serving as a member of the 119th and 120th Maine State Legislatures, representing Presque Isle, and was also a past member of the board of directors for A.R. Gould Hospital.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Maxine M. Duncan; his brothers, Donald and Roger Duncan; and his stepson, Christopher S. Stackpole. He is survived by his wife, Denise Townsend Duncan; his sons, Rick (Nancy) Duncan of Presque Isle and Dirk (Sharon) Duncan of Mapleton; his brother, Wendell (Joy) Duncan of Presque Isle; his granddaughters, Sarah Duncan and Brandy Rooney; his grandson, Shane Stackpole; his great-grandchildren, Breygan, Mallory, McKinley, and Payton; and his special great-nephew, Henry J. Orser.

The family is deeply grateful to the many people who enriched Dick's life and stood by him through the years. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Roger T. Pelli for his decades of devoted, compassionate care and his special daily visits. Your dedication meant the world to Dick and to this entire family. To the many cherished friends who visited week after week Harry, Rhonda Orser, Sam Townsend (who could always be counted on for a good sports conversation), Kim Cunningham, and Dale Blanchard, your presence meant more than words can express. To the Franklin Place Association Owners: Dean and Rachel Duplessis, Kim and Sheila Cunningham, and Allen and Mary Guerrette, and to all of the wonderful Third Street Neighbors, who never stopped showing up with goodies, special treats, and warm company, your kindness was a true gift. He enjoyed many mornings over the years solving the area's issues with his coffee group. And to the entire staff of Northern Light Homecare & Hospice at the Aroostook House of Comfort: the family extends its deepest thanks for the gentle, compassionate, and outstanding care you gave to Dick. You were a comfort and a blessing to him and to all who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Dick's memory may consider a donation to Aroostook House of Comfort, 18 Green Hill Rd., Presque Isle, ME 04769. Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Duncan-Graves Funeral Home in Presque Isle with Pastor George McLaughlin officiating. Arrangements in care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle, ME. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at duncanlancaster.com.