Longtime harness racing participant and official George Duane 'Duke' Dranichak, age 74, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 10.
Duke was the son of the late George and Rose (Mikitka) Dranichak. He is survived by his loving wife, M. Christine (Bass) Dranichak; his children, George Dranichak Jr. of Macedon and Melissa (Kevin) Mayeu of Wake Forest, North Carolina; brother of Edward (Sue) Dranichak and of the late Gregory Dranichak. Known as "Gumpa" to his grandchildren, he was a generous and loving grandfather to George III and Tyler.
Duke was born and raised in Binghamton and lived most of his life in Pavilion, New York. He graduated from Niagara University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business.
After college, he became a member of the Horseman's Association, where he raced harness horses professionally. After which he became a judge. Duke retired from the NYS Racing and Wagering Board, which he served on as the Director of Racing Officials for all of harness and thoroughbred racetracks in the State of New York.
Duke's family will receive friends on Thursday, April 13 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Rd. (Rt 19), LeRoy. His Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Holy Spirit Church in Binghamton, New York at a later date.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Duke Dranichak.