Sergeant Raymond Louis Duckett, 73, of Highland Park, passed away peacfully on Saturday November 18, 2017, at West Penn Hospital surronded by family and friends. He was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to Joseph and Cora Duckett.

Raymond enlisted as a young man in the United States Marine Corps, and his hard work and dedication quickly earned him a Rifle Sharpshooter badge which landed him a spot on the Tactics Marine Rifle Squad. Shortly after, he was stationed at Guantanamo Bay during the Cuban missile crisis. He was also a verteran of the Vietnam War and earned serveral medals and commendations for his dedication and bravery, including the National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbion, and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. He was later selected as a Marine quard at the US Embassy in New Delhi, India where he met, fell in love, courted and married his wife of 48 years, Queenie. During his time in India, he was the personal guard to former President, Lyndon B. Johnson, when he visited India, and was on duty the night Joseph Stalin's daughter, Olga, sought asylum at the US Embassy in New Deli. He was apart of history. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Marines never left him, his family and friends will attrest.

He retired from the VA Medical Center after 30 years of service and later worked part-time at The Neighborhood Academy School until he was forced to stop working due to his illness. He loved his job, and for 10 years, brought order to the previous chaos that had been the school's kitchen! He truly enjoyed working with the children at the school and he also had an infectious sense of humor. His hobbies included gardening, listening to Motown, and also counrty music.

Raymond is survived by his loving wife, Queenie; his daughter, Manju; his son, Rajeev; grandchildren, Isabella and Alessandra; his sisters, Carol Duckett Oliver, Helen Duckett-McCain, Brenda Becker, Georgia Mae Eggleton, Betty Jean Holmes, Ann Spring Williams, and Eddiette Trent.

Raymond is predeceased by his brother, Joesph Duckett Jr.; his siters, Marie Robinson, Lucille Duckett-Austin, and Beverly Jones.

The Duckett family would like to extend a very special thank you to The Neighborhood Academy School for their loving care and support.