Carl J. Duda

Carl J. Duda passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 and is now free from his Earthly afflictions.  After 60 years of his lifelong severe Down’s Syndrome and acute intellectual disability, Carl spoke his first words in Heaven, surely with his mom (Marion Cuccia Duda), dad (Albert Duda, Sr.), loving siblings (Al Duda, Jr., Ann Duda Talerico) and prior caregivers (Elizabeth J. Triche and Uncle Carlo and Aunt Lilly Giangrosso), all whom preceded him in death.

He leaves behind his lifetime roommate James Dillenkoffer, who he lived with at Hammond State School and Evergreen Life Services (the newer, more recent long-term acute care facilities) since Carl was institutionalized in 1971. Carl and Jim-Jim were best buddies and it was the most loving, non-verbal friendship one could witness. Also missing little buddy Carl is his nephew and guardian Mickey Triche, whose weekly visits touched all at those homes. Other nephews and nieces include Dr. Paul Gulotta, Christina Gulotta Johnson, Michael Talerico, Jason Triche, William Triche and John Triche.  

The family wishes to thank the angels-on-earth, caregivers at Evergreen Life Services in Hammond and Ponchatoula, North Oaks Hospice and the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation (Hammond, LA.) for their love and care for Carl (and so many others).  Also, the former staff of Hammond State School for the decades of care. Carl will be interned at Hope Mausoleum in New Orleans with the rest of his family. In lieu of cards/flowers, please give to the Down Syndrome Association of New Orleans at Dsagno.org or to your local church.

Arrangements entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond & Ponchatoula.