Charles Alonzo Duncan Sr.

Charles Alonzo Duncan, Sr., the son of the late Robert M. Duncan and Iona Bates-Duncan, was born on Tuesday, July 18, 1939, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He received his formal education in the Harrisburg School District graduating from the former William Penn High School. He also attended Harrisburg Area Community College. At a youthful age, Charles attended and was baptized at The Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church under Rev. Clarence L. Henderson, Sr. “Sonny," as he was affectionately called by his family and friends who enjoyed his sense of humor and his many amusing stories about his childhood days, was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan; he loved his Cadillacs (the older the better); he loved the movies and was known as the “Tape Man” …..videos, cassettes, DVD’s; you name the movie, he had it on some kind of a tape, and he knew if one was missing. He had impeccable style; everything always matched from head to toe. Charles was one of the first African American heavy equipment operators in the Harrisburg area. During his working career, he worked for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542 for over 60 years until his retirement in 2002. He took pride in being one of the few African American operators in the Tri-State Area, and he loved reminiscing about instructing the younger men joining the field. Charles lived a checkered life filled with both triumphs and tribulations. He experienced moments of great success and happiness, as well as periods of hardship and struggle. His journey was marked by a series of highs and lows, making his life story both complex and fascinating. When he rededicated his life to Christ, he became a staunch witness for Jesus. He would often say when witnessing to others “you can’t run that game by me.” He then became one of the chartered members of the XII Stones Congregational Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder Wilson Mosley, Jr. where he served as a Deacon, Superintendent of the Sunday School, Choir Director and original director of the church’s Sunshine Band. He loved traveling to the convocation in Detroit, Michigan to hear Bishop Hosea Evans bring the uncompromised Word of God. Deacon Emeritus Duncan remained a member of XII Stones Church of God in Christ until his health prevented him from attending. He then became a watch-care member of Mount Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Roberta M. Duncan-Thompson. On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the age of 85, Charles Alonzo Duncan transitioned peacefully from earth to glory. In addition to his parents, Robert and Iona Duncan, he was preceded in death by his children, Debbie Everette, Char Shay Harper, Vanessa Duncan, Olujimi Duncan, Helen Duncan, Charles (Charlie) Stewart, Charles M. "Marty" Duncan; his brothers, George Haskins, Jr., Robert Melvyn Duncan, Sr.; his sisters, Queen Elizabeth Duncan-Haskins and Geneva Duncan-Woods. He leaves to cherish and celebrate his life and legacy: his wife, Gaila L. Duncan; his children, Candis Harper (David), Rev. Martha Brown, Stephanie Turner, Marquita Jones (James), Michelle (Shelly) Belle, Khadija Duncan, Syeetta Harper, Travis Fleming, Robert “Bobby” Stewart (Nikole "China"), Gibron Wampler, Charles (Chuckie) Duncan, Jr., Diallo Sekou “Mort” Duncan, Keyattha Duncan, Ayinda Harper, Ayodi Harper; his niece/daughter, Rev. Roberta M. Duncan-Thompson; nephew/son, Dr. Otis Martin; bonus children, Andrea Carter, Rory Danielle Gordon, Tyron Hodges, Felicia Roy (Michael), Herman Duncan, Jerry Duncan (Tammy), Trena Jackson; his mother-in-law, Mrs. Faye E. Carter; sisters-in-law, Anna Duncan of Sarasota, Florida, Janice Childs, Margaret Carrier (Terry), Anna Carey (Harry), all of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; two brothers-in-law, Thomas C. and John T. Carter; daughter-in-law, Angela Duncan of Fort Mitchell, Alabama; Godchildren, Calvin McKinney (Crystal) and Josè Espolà; a good neighbor and friend, John Coniglio, along with many other nephews, nieces, cousins, a multitude of grands, great-grands, great-great-grands, great-great-great-grands and other friends. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes. Sorrowfully Submitted, The Family FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME.

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Charles Alonzo Duncan Sr.

July 18, 1939 - May 20, 2025