Michael Leighton Duncan

Michael L. Duncan, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and legendary Publix meat cutter, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, in his Sarasota home on Monday, May 12, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in Arlington, Virginia, he held a special place in history as the first baby baptized at St. Thomas More Cathedral in Arlington—a fitting start for a life that touched so many. The youngest of six children born to Julia H. and Edward C. Duncan, Michael grew up with a deep sense of family and faith instilled by his loving, devout parents. He had a passion for basketball, fiercely cheering for Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics. At an early age, he found his calling at an Arlington deli, honing his craft as a meat cutter. Michael married Laura Catherine Healy, and together they welcomed two children, Adelaide and Michael Jr. As a young father, he raised them alone with unwavering dedication and selfless love, always putting their needs first. His devotion will forever be felt in their hearts. In 1974, Michael moved the family to Sarasota, Florida, to start anew, purchasing a home on Bougainvillea Street—his cherished sanctuary. Visitors often found him sitting out front, engaging with nature under the canopy of his grand oak trees, or gazing at the brilliant stars from his porch at night. His love for the outdoors provided quiet solitude and peaceful moments. He found joy in family birthday celebrations and watching his grandchildren take their first steps outside his home. Home was where Michael’s heart was most content. There, he cheered for the Celtics, sank pool shots with his grandkids to ’60s tunes, and bet a nickel or two on poker hands on the back porch. This home, destined to be passed down through generations, embodies the warmth he fostered and shared with his loving wife, Theresa. In Sarasota, Michael’s career soared at Publix, cementing his legacy in the color green. For 44 years, he served in the meat department at stores on Clark Road and Bee Ridge Road, earning a place among the longest-tenured employees in Publix history. Including 17 years at Safeway, his 61-year career as a meat cutter reflected his passion and unwavering work ethic. “I’ve never worked a day in my life,” he would say with a smile, calling it his hobby. Each morning, he donned his Publix uniform, often sporting a tie gifted by his grandchildren—representing their colleges—with deep affection. He took pride in watching Publix grow from 173 stores in 1974 to 1,398 by his retirement in 2018 at the age of 80. Witnessing Publix expand into his home state of Virginia was a pinnacle moment that brought him immense pride. Michael found his true love in Sarasota, marrying Theresa Duncan. Together for 43 years, they built a life of love, laughter, and countless happy moments with family and friends. Loyal and selfless in both his work and his family, Michael’s warmth, devotion, and quiet strength left an indelible mark on loved ones and countless customers who knew him as the heart of the Publix meat counter. Michael is survived by his wife, Theresa A. Duncan; his daughter, Adelaide Duncan Morgan; his son, Michael L. Duncan Jr. (Karen); his six grandchildren, Daniel B. Morgan (Hannah), Allison J. Lanham (Craig), Melissa A. Camut (Gabriel), Matthew H. Morgan, John M. Duncan (Amanda), and Madison J. Duncan; his six great-grandchildren, Jude and Virginia Lanham, Rory and Harper Camut, and John-Brooks and Jordan Duncan; his sister, Margaret Duncan Beard; his brother, Edward C. Duncan Jr.; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Julia H. and Edward C. Duncan, and his siblings Mary Duncan Flynn, Sally Duncan McMurrer, and Philip E. Duncan. Visitation for family and friends will take place on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 5–7 p.m. at Toale Brothers, 40 North Orange Avenue, Sarasota, Florida. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at Incarnation Catholic Church in Sarasota, Florida, with private interment immediately following at Sarasota Memorial Park. A private family gathering will follow at the home of Michael L. Duncan Jr. in Sarasota. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to United Way—a Publix-supported charity close to Michael’s heart for 44 years—or a kind word shared with a Publix employee in his honor. Michael lived a life of purpose, defined by his work, love, and sacrifice for his family. His memory will forever be a blessing to all who knew him.

Tributes

Michael Leighton Duncan

May 12, 2025