Robert L. Duncan

Robert L. Duncan, Jr., 66, of Westfield died peacefully at home surrounded by loving family on February 7, 2009.
Mr. Duncan was a lifelong resident of Westfield. A graduate of Westfield High School, he continued his education at Princeton University; Magdalen College, Oxford; and Harvard Law School.
He pursued a career in law, working for many years with the firm of Deforest and Duer in New York. He also served as General Counsel for the American Management Association, as well as Deputy Publisher for the Metropolitan Corporate Counsel.
Mr. Duncan contributed greatly to the growth of local organizations, serving on the boards of the Presbyterian Church in Westfield, the United Fund, the Westfield Recreation Commission and the Westfield Adult School. He was a Trustee of Children's Specialized Hospital from 1983 to 1992, and served as chairman from 1987 to 1989. As board chairman he met with legislators as an advocate for children's causes and oversaw the opening of the Outpatient Center in Fanwood. He was instrumental in the hospital's corporate restructuring, including the establishment of the Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation.
Mr. Duncan is survived by his wife, Linda; two daughters, Elizabeth Jones of Wall Township and Margaret Duncan of Frankfurt, Kentucky; a son, Laird Duncan and his wife Leonor of Salem, Massachusetts; two stepdaughters, Jennifer Davies of Arlington, Virginia and Jacqueline Davies of Ottawa, Canada. He is also beloved grandfather of Sam, Luke, Ryan and Sophia.
A memorial service is to be held in the sanctuary at The Presbyterian Church in Westfield at 2 pm, Saturday, February 14, 2009.
Memorial contributions may be made to Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation, 150 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ, 07092.