Robert F. Duncan, 81, of Naples, Florida, formerly of Paxton, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 in Naples, Florida.

    He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Alice (Vecchio) Duncan; his daughter Cheryl A. Mercadante and her companion Richard Samia of Raleigh, North Carolina; a sister, Mary Sanborn in Florida, and many nieces and nephews. Robert was born in Leicester, son of James and Mary (Carney) Duncan. He attended Leicester High School.

    He proudly served his nation in the United States Navy during World War II aboard the U.S.S Skagit in the Asiatic-Pacific Rim. Robert returned from the service and moved to Paxton, where he and Alice raised their daughter, before moving to Cape Cod and then Florida.

    Robert owned and operated Mr. Robert's Chat n Curl beauty salon, on Park Avenue for many years. After retiring from George Myers Corporation, he began a driving under program called EMAP for the court system in the Worcester area. He was proud of his sobriety and was a very active member of the AA community for more than 37 years.

    He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Naples.

    A funeral service for Mr. Duncan will be held Monday, August 24, at 11 a.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours will be held Sunday, August 23, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. in the funeral home.

    In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory, may be made to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, Florida 34109.