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Frank “Duke” Kish

Frank “Duke” Kish, 79 years old, passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, in his Lopatcong Township home.  Frank was born on January 8, 1941, to the late Geza E. Kish and Elizabeth R. Kish.  He was born and raised in Phillipsburg, NJ and was a lifelong resident of Lopatcong Township. Frank was a 1959 graduate of Phillipsburg High School and graduated from Moravian College in 1963 with a BA in music and psychology.  He was married for 49 years, to his wife, Jamie Lee (Curtis) Kish.

Frank spent sixteen years touring the United States as a talented musician under the stage names Okie Duke and Farley Parkenfarker, during the 60s and 70s.  He entertained the country, with his showband, in places like Las Vegas, Hollywood, and Reno, while he played several instruments on stage simultaneously.  His talent and music was driven by his true passion for songwriting and he was well known within the industry for his way with words and unique creativity.  He was signed with Ovation Records under the name Okie Duke, and he released a full length album called “The Songs and Singings of Okie Duke.” He recorded with some of the best studio musicians of all time.

Frank was a legendary figure within his community of Lopatcong, where he was the voice of the Lopatcong Panther football team over the course of the last 25 years.  Every Sunday, in the fall, he was in the booth at Lopatcong football field, announcing the names of all the kids, play by play, and making everyone laugh with his Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse voices. People knew his voice for miles around.  He was also an integral part of both the Lopatcong Township and Phillipsburg Board of Education systems, where he served the community and youth for over 25 years.  He was an avid fan of Phillipsburg athletics and never missed a Phillipsburg/Easton Turkey Day football game, even if it meant he had to broadcast it on his old antennae radio. 

In his most recent years, he was the organist and director of music at Alpha Presbyterian Church, where he spent every Sunday morning, sharing his love of music and songwriting with the congregation.

Frank is survived by his devoted wife, Jamie, of 49 years, and his five children; son, Jake and fiancé Lindsay Berrigan of Lopatcong Township; daughter, Sara and her husband Garen Riggs of Tampa, Florida; daughter, Jennifer and her husband Alex Neff of Lopatcong Township; son, Andrew and his fiance’ Jordan Mellinger of Allentown, Pennsylvania; and daughter, Annie and her husband Jesse Eriksen of Lopatcong Township.  He was also survived by his nine wonderful grandchildren, who were the highlight of his world.

At this time, there will not be a public service.  There will be a memorial service and celebration of life, in the spring to honor Frank, at Alpha Presbyterian Church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alpha Presbyterian Church, 859 High Street, Alpha, NJ 08865.