Obituary: Guild Variety Owner Thomas “Duke" Folan

Thomas "Duke" Folan, passed away at the age of 80 on Dec. 11, 2016. A lifelong Norwood resident, Duke was born at Norwood Hospital, attended St. Catherine's and Norwood High School, graduating in 1954. Duke served honorably in the United States Air Force, spending most of his time as a crew member on B-52s. Duke was the longtime owner of the Norwood institution known as Guild Variety, more commonly referred to as Duke's. Duke's was a special place where locals would meet daily, pick up the morning paper, discuss the days events, talks sports, mention goings on around town and argue politics.

Folan was the son of the late Michael and Delia (O’Donnell) Foley and brother of the late Mary (Folan) Rogers-McDonough, Michael “Jack” Foley, Francis “Paul” Foley, and Joseph Foley. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.

A funeral is scheduled for Dec. 16 at the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole St., at 8 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Catherine of Siena Church at 9 a.m.. Visiting hours are Thursday 4-7 p.m.

Interment will take place at Highland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Duke to St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD 57326.

Portions of this article were from the Norwood Police Department and Gillooly Funeral Home

Image via Norwood Police Department