Richard Duskin

RICHARD DUSKIN, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 after a valiant two-year struggle following a long illness. He was 83. Born on August 31, 1934, he was the son of the late Frank Duskin, Sr. and the late Fannie Hadley Smith. While he was born in New Orleans, LA, he grew up in Raceland, LA where he grew into adulthood and received elementary and high school education. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Dr. Gayle Williams Duskin, a daughter, Lisa Duskin Rohilliard (Darrell, Sr.), a son, Mark Duskin, six grandchildren, Darrell Rohilliard, Jr., Dominique Stewart, Mariah Duskin, Joshua Rohilliard, Summer Duskin, and Jordan Rohilliard, and three sisters, Geraldine Jones, Audrey Doplemore, and Carolyn Johnson, and two brothers, Frank Duskin, Jr. and Austin Duskin. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. He retired after a long and fruitful career that spanned 40 years while he worked as a longshoreman for ILA Local #3000 and as a foreman for New Orleans Stevedores. As a devoted lover of family he could always be counted on to come to the aid and assistance of any members who needed his help. This desire to help and give assistance also reached beyond that of family because after Hurricane Katrina when he and his neighbors returned to re-construct their lives and their homes, he was so dedicated to provide help and assistance that he was so appreciated he was dubbed the “Mayor of Primrose Drive”. Besides his parents, preceding him in death was his son, Richard Gregory Duskin, and three brothers, Nathaniel Doplemore, Earnest Doplemore, and Jesse Thompson. The family extends their deep thanks and gratitude to the nurses affiliated with Ochsner Home Health and Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care and at Good Samaritan Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their loving care given to Mr. Duskin as he struggled to survive his illness. Relatives and friends of the family, pastors, officers, and members of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church and True Vine Baptist Church, also employees of Royal Sonesta Hotel, faculty and staff of Dillard University and Southern University at New Orleans are invited to attend the Funeral Service at New Salem Baptist Church, 1530 Alvar Street, New Orleans, LA on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at 11:00 AM, Dr. Warren Jones, Pastor, Officiating. Visitation from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Interment: Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.