DANA JOHN LADUKE

BRANDON — Dana John LaDuke of Brandon died July 7, 2026, after a yearlong illness.

Dana was born Feb. 4, 1964, at Porter Hospital, Middlebury, the son of Edgar E. LaDuke and Brenda J. Shackett Smith. He grew up in Shoreham, attended Shoreham Elementary and graduated from Middlebury Union High school in 1982.

Dana was avid sportsman from the age 12, fishing, hunting and trapping in Addison County, traveling to several States and Canada over the years. He lived life to the fullest and developed many friends over his lifetime. Especially his lifelong classmates from Shoreham and Middlebury. Dana was in Boy Scouts Troop 542 and was a former member of the Shoreham fire department for many years. He played Softball for Douglas Orchards, Sentinel Pine Orchards and Shoreham Service Center Team for many years. A major milestone in his life was winning the Top LCI Fishing Tournament in 2010.

Dana worked in a variety of careers — never liked indoor factory work, or being pinned down — preferred being his own boss. The past 35 years he was a professional painter, carpenter and worked on many projects around Addison and Rutland County.

Dana was predeceased by his father, Edgar E. LaDuke; his mother, Brenda J. Smith; paternal grandparents, Ernest E. LaDuke and Leda F. LaDuke; and maternal grandparents Quentin L. Shackett and Clarice C. Shackett.

He is survived by his partner, Donna Simpson of Brandon; brother Kirk LaDuke, sister Kelly Peckham and husband Rick of Shoreham and brother Scott LaDuke of Orwell; his nephew, Travis LaDuke; great nieces, Kailyn and Madelyn; great nephew, Aiden of Shoreham; Travis’s partner April Smith and her children, Jade, Sophie and Vance; and by many aunts, uncles and over 40 first and second cousins in Vermont, New York, Florida and Georgia.

There will be no calling hours. The graveside committal service and burial will take place July 25, at 11 a.m., in the family lot at St Genevieve’s Cemetery in Shoreham.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his memory to the Shoreham Fire department or Addison County Home Heath & Hospice. A celebration of life for Dana will be announced on a later date.

Arrangements by Miller & Ketcham of Brandon. ◊