Richard “Duke” Hemmer passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 28th, 2024 at the age of 90.  He was born in Tuxedo, NY on December 3, 1933 and grew up in West Milford, NJ.

Duke graduated from Butler High School and attended Rutgers University where he was an All-American Football and Lacrosse player.  He graduated in 1955 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.  He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles where he lasted 4 days in camp!  Having admitted that the NFL  was not for him, he went back to school to get his Master’s in Business Administration.

Duke’s first job was back at his Alma Mater, Butler High, teaching math.  He then moved to a teaching, coaching and refereeing career at Kinnelon High.  It was here that he met his beautiful wife whom he was married to for 61 years.  He then moved to Morristown High School where he served in a variety of administrator’s roles.  He served there until his retirement.

Duke served in the Navy from 1955 to 1957 on the USS Saratoga.

Duke was very handy and built his & his wife’s first home and then lovingly restored their second home, a 200 year old farmhouse in Bedminster, NJ.  Duke participated often in service trips for Habitat for Humanity and through his church to areas such as Mississippi, Appalachia, and Honduras.  He was an accomplished wood worker and a member of the Woodturner’s Association.

Duke loved the outdoors and was an avid hiker, canoer, hunter, and camper.  He also loved animals of all kinds and they readily returned that love.  Duke had a voice and demeanor that no dog could disregard – they all obeyed any command he gave.

Duke enjoyed everything about sports.  Playing them, coaching them, and watching them.  Especially his beloved RU football team.  He was also a dedicated member of the Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church.  Most of his life was spent in the service of others whether it was as part of a team, or as  teacher, coach, volunteer, mentor, friend or family member.  He had a contagious laugh and loved a good pun.  He told the same jokes over and over again even if no one laughed.

He is survived by his beloved wife Sharon, his daughters Heidi & Laurel, their husbands Arthur Julius and Kirk Upton and his grandchildren Sonia Julius and Jefferson Upton.

True to his nature, he cared for everyone around him until the very end.  He died as he lived, with love and dignity and a strong sense of self.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, the 16th of November at Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church, 45 Church Street, Liberty Corner, NJ  07938.  Reception to follow.  In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to the Fellowship Home Care & Hospice, 8000 Fellowship Road, Basking Ridge, NJ  07920 or a charity of your choice.