John Duda
February 7, 1952 — October 19, 2017
John Duda, a lifelong resident of Bettendorf, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on October 19, 2017, following a long bout with cancer.
A memorial mass for John will take place Saturday, October 28, 10:00 A.M., at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Bettendorf. The family will meet with friends for one hour before the service, and afterwards. Private interment services will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, with McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home of Bettendorf assisting the family.
John was born February 7, 1952 to James and Mildred (Steele) Duda. A 1974 graduate of Marycrest College, John worked in advertising sales for Northwestern Bell, and later for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In the mid 1980’s John became a registered piano technician and opened his business, Olde Piano Works, with clients including local and regional schools, colleges, orchestras, churches, music stores, concert venues, and many private clients.
John got the most enjoyment from restoring neglected pianos from the inside out, from the keyboard action and inner workings to the wooden casework, and reuniting the like-new instruments with their happy owners. John was a member of the Registered Piano Technicians Guild.
Vocal music also played an important part in John’s life beginning at Bettendorf High School. Over the years he lent his distinctive baritone voice to a number of ensembles, including the Marycrest College Chamber Singers, Handel Oratorio Society, Opera Quad Cities, Quad City Symphony Orchestra, St. Anthony’s Choir, Lourdes Contemporary Ensemble and several pop/jazz quartets.
John’s varied hobbies and interests included roller skating in his earlier years, camping, fishing, model railroading, and especially slot car racing which took him to competitions around the country. For years he sponsored the popular “Outhouse Invitational” slot car event. His beloved Corvettes and Chris Craft boats provided him with many happy hours and enduring friendships.
An animal lover, John never failed to carry dog treats in his piano tuning case, and always remembered the names of the family dogs if not all his human clients. John leaves behind his current feline companion, “The Boss”, who provided boundless care and therapy during John’s illness.
The family requests no flowers, but please consider a donation in John’s name to any local no-kill pet shelter.
John is survived by his brother Joe (wife Cathy) Duda of Bettendorf, sisters-in-law Ginny Duda of Bettendorf and Karen Duda of Austin Texas, nieces and nephews, aunts, cousins, and Vicki Gray of Davenport. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings Jim, Mima, and Doug.
Rest well, John, and thanks for a million memories.