Duane A. Milton

Duane Arthur Milton, known to many as Sluggo, and to a lucky few as Dad and Uncle Sluggo, was the kind of man who could walk into a room, raise one eyebrow, make a face, and instantly make everything feel lighter. He left this world on February 5, 2026, in Homer, New York, but not before leaving laughter, lessons, and love absolutely everywhere he went.

Duane was married to the love of his life, Carol Milton (McMahon), for 47 years. His family was his greatest pride. He is survived by his amazing children: Fellicia Sherman, Duane Milton, Dana (Meg) Milton, Yolanda Milton, and Jonathan Milton. He was the deeply devoted grandfather of Jered (Brittani), Sanovia, Janovia, Kyahrae (Dustin), Zanae, Kasana (Tevin), Davon, Lee, Anthony, and James, and the joyful great-grandfather of Ariah, Hope, Micah, and Imani. He is also survived by much loved nieces, nephews, cousins, his wonderful Stewart family, his McMahon family in-laws: Michael (Edie), Kevin (Moira), Peter (Annette), Stephen (Heidi), Shawn (Nancy), Monica (Tim) Willsey, and dear friends who were family in every way that mattered.

He was predeceased by his parents, Curtis and Agnes (Johnson) Milton; his brothers Curtis (Patricia) Milton; Bernie (Renee) Milton; Denny Stewart; his first wife, Dorothy; and beloved nephews and nieces. Also preceded by his in-laws, Shirley (Richard) McMahon, Kathy Lewis, Dan and Brian McMahon.

When asked how Duane wanted to be remembered, he said, “as the best father I could be.” Family was everything. Being a good friend mattered. He was kind, patient, strong, funny, quiet, positive, and people felt good around him.

Duane loved music like it was a second language because in his family, it was. He loved sports, books, and was an avid reader. He loved animals and babies and could carry on full conversations with both. He was a great hugger, a man of few words, but with facial expressions worth a thousand.

For 37 years, Duane worked at Cornell University, where his impact reached far beyond any job description. Through the Cornell Diversity Committee and the Community Learning and Service Partnership (CLASP) he built bridges one conversation at a time. Duane could speak just as easily with a university president as he could with the custodial staff, and he made everyone feel seen, respected, and important. Many Cornell students, coworkers, friends, and martial arts students saw him as a father, an uncle, a mentor, or a steady presence when they needed one.

A lifelong martial artist, Duane studied and practiced Tae Kwon Do for over 50 years as a head instructor, 6th degree black belt, and forever student. The art shaped the way he lived, and he passed down the values of respect and kindness to everyone he taught, to maintain disciplined training, but avoid fighting at all costs.  When asked about self-defense, his answer was always delivered with a pause and a grin.  “First rule of self-defense…. run.”

Duane loved being part of the Greater Ithaca Activities Center and the GIAC Senior Program. He loved to travel, especially to Jamaica, Spain, Ireland, Canada, Disney World, California, and San Antonio. He was thrilled to have met Muhammad Ali, Maya Angelou, Yolanda King, and Julia Child, encounters that stayed with him for years, not because of celebrity, but because of connection.

Born July 30, 1946, in Ithaca, New York, Duane grew up during the Civil Rights era and carried his Blackness with quiet pride, deep thoughtfulness, and an unshakable sense of humanity throughout his life. Choosing bi-racial marriage and raising bi-racial children during a time when that was dangerous. Duane understood the cost of love and chose it anyway. He never let racism erase anyone’s humanity, even when it showed up uninvited. That didn’t mean he accepted intolerance. He didn’t. He simply believed in a bigger picture, and he lived it. More than a few people softened over the years simply because they knew him.

What people learned from Duane was simple and profound: love, respect, kindness, and humor. He brought people together because he wanted them to get along. He used humor to soften serious moments. He cracked jokes when tension crept in. He pulled people onto the dance floor. He shrugged, raised an eyebrow, made a face, and made things manageable again.

He loved his family fiercely. He loved ribs, apple pie, bacon, Godzilla movies, and making people laugh. The world feels different without him, but infinitely better because he was here.

There will be a Celebration of Life in the spring.  Details to follow.

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