RICHFIELD SPRINGS-John Duga Jr., 89, passed away in his home on Thursday, June 21, 2007. He had the peace and comfort of his loving family at his side. John was born on April 30, 1918 in Little Falls, son of the late John and Maria Pribish Duga. A life-long area resident, he was raised and educated in Little Falls. On February 7, 1942 he answered the call of our country, entering the US Army. He proudly served with the 26th Infantry Division in Ardennes, Central Europe, Northern France and the Rhineland. He was decorated with the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal and was Honorably Discharged on December 2, 1945 attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon returning home from the war, John was united in marriage on March 2, 1946 with the former Helen Saloman in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Cherry Valley. They soon after resided in, and raised a family in, Richfield Springs. He had a strong belief in God and was a member of St. Josephs Church in Richfield Springs. He was an active member of the Hugick, Purcell, Shepard American Legion Post #616 where he had served as Chaplain for many years. He was most recently employed by the Remington Arms from which he retired in 1981. In his leisure time he enjoyed bowling, golf and gardening. John was always ready with a joke that would put a smile on anyones face. He will be dearly missed. Surviving him are his loving wife of sixty-one years, Helen; a son, Ronald Duga and his wife JoAnn of Ilion; a daughter, Joan Burditt and her husband Robert of Richfield Springs; six grandchildren: Steven Duga and his significant other Nicole Gomillion of Springdale, AK, Kimberly Obreza and her husband Matthew of Mohawk, Jason Duga and his fiance Emily Aronstam of Rochester, Nan Campbell and her husband Kevin of Colchester, VT, Christopher Burditt and his wife Amy of Richfield Springs, Jennifer Burditt and her fianc Christopher Mayer of Richfield Springs; six great grandchildren: Aaliyah Gomillion and Alexandria Duga, Madison and Connor Obreza, Ellie Campbell, John Burditt, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by a brother Rudolph Duga and two sisters, Mildred Pileggi and Anne Dedla. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 25, 2007 at 11:00 am in St. Josephs Church, Richfield Springs. The Reverend Terence Healy will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Josephs Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. It is the wish of the family that contributions in memory of John be considered to the Catskill Area Hospice or St. Josephs Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral service. Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs.