Robert Ducey
Hardin |
Robert Joseph "Joe" Ducey, 93
Retired Educator and Dedicated Family Man
We are saddened to announce the passing of Robert Joseph "Joe" Ducey, a beloved father, grandfather and family man who passed peacefully on May 21, 2025 at the age of 93. He married Patty Moran Ducey (passed in 1982) and together they had 5 children and built a beautiful family raised in the Catholic faith. In 1985, Joe married Mary Jo Hembrow Hahn (passed in 2022) and they spent their retirement years together traveling, golfing and visiting their families.
Born and raised in Hardin, IL, Joe attended St. Norberts Grade School and Calhoun High School with the graduating class of 1950. He attended Quincy College and finished his education at SIU- Carbondale with a Masters in Education and Administration.
After a short stint in the military, Joe dedicated much of his life to shaping young minds as a highly respected and much adored elementary school principal. His distinguished career of 30 years in the Alton School District touched and shaped many lives of both children and colleagues. Joe was known for his hands-on, interpersonal approach. He was an insightful, fair leader who advocated for all. Joe made sure everyone in his school community knew they were valued and seen. He inspired everyone to live up to their potential both in the classroom and life.
Joe was a natural athlete with a passion for sports. He was a standout double-sport athlete in college, known to many in his day as “Jumping Joe Ducey” after bringing the jump shot to the Quincy hardwood. His affinity for sports was woven throughout his life as he coached youth rec teams while remaining active in bowling, softball and golf. In retirement, Joe worked at Rolling Hills golf course instructing the junior golf program and tutored young students learning English as a second language through Lewis and Clark Community College. He was also a proud member of the Alton Knights of Columbus.
Joe is survived by his five children: Joe and Kathy Ducey of Scottsdale, AZ; Meg and Pat Miller of Alton; Timm and Jean Ducey of Kirkwood, MO; Ellen and Peter Tassinari of Alton; John and Tracy Ducey of Godfrey. And three stepchildren: Sandy and Rick Saunders of Norfolk, VA; Cindy and David Moore of Alton; and Traci Hahn and Suzan Pickels of Houston, TX.; 19 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren and a sister, Mary Ellen Wurm ( Charles)of Maryland Heights, MO.
.A Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton on Saturday June 14, 2025, at 10:00am. Internment will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Godfrey. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Church and Marquette Catholic High School in Alton. Gent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Additional information and online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Asbury Village in Godrey, BJC Hospice, Private Home Care, and Liberty Village- Jerseyville for the support and care they gave Joe over the past few years.
As a jolly Irishman, Joe will be remembered for his “never met a stranger" personality, the twinkle in his eye when he greeted you, and his ever-present humor. Joe’s family, friends, and former students will miss him dearly.
"May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May you rest in the palm of God’s hand."
Gent Funeral Home
