Irwin Newell Duncan

Irwin Newell Duncan, 95, of Wilmington, DE, died peacefully at the Country House in Wilmington, DE, at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2019.

He was born on November 7, 1924 in Wilmington, the son of Col. Silas B. I. and Elmira (Newell) Duncan.

He is survived by his three sons, Rev. S. Blake Duncan and Dr. Christine Kamprath of O’Fallon, IL; J. David Duncan and Tracy A. Marshall of Aston, PA; Dr. S. Keith Duncan and Michele Anstine of Wilmington, DE; his three grandchildren, Sarah M. Duncan of Boston, MA; Stephen B. and Anna Duncan of Washington, DC; and Keith H. Duncan of Cleveland, OH; his former wife, Mary B. Duncan of Wilmington, DE; and his longtime companion, Nancy G. Evans of Hockessin, DE. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dr. William H. Duncan.

Newell served in the United States Army near the end of World War II. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in business administration. During his four years at the U. of Delaware he played varsity baseball, basketball and football. He worked as an executive at Brosius-Eliason Co. in New Castle, DE, for 41 years. Newell had a very active musical life. He sang with the Wilmington Opera Society (now Opera Delaware) both as a member of the chorus and on stage in supporting roles. He also served as a member of the board and as president. He sang regularly with the Brandywiners and with the choirs of the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John’s in Wilmington and New Castle Methodist Church. Newell was a lifelong Phillies fan and enjoyed a variety of sports.

The funeral will take place on Friday, December 13, 2019, at New Castle Methodist Church, 510 Delaware St., New Castle, DE, at 11:00 a.m., The Rev. Raymond Eck presiding. Friends may call at the church before the funeral from 9:30 a.m. until the beginning of the service.  Burial will be in Gracelawn Memorial Park, New Castle, DE.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Opera Delaware, 4 S. Poplar Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.

To offer condolences, please visit:

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302.328.2312

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