Sharon L. Duca 1939-2025

Sharon was born Dec. 17, 1939, in Ravencliff, W.Va., to the late Fred and June Gore.

Sharon had a love of engineering sciences early on, and at 17, she built a sun-powered radio that she entered in Michigan’s state science fair. She won first place in the women’s division and second place overall. Her sun-powered radio earned her both international recognition and recognition from a leading developer of the U.S. space program.

Sharon attended Michigan Technological University and graduated in 1962 with a degree in engineering physics. While at Tech, Sharon met her husband and business partner, William J. Duca, past president of Duca Manufacturing. They were married 49 years until William’s death.

Sharon continued to operate the business and was the acting principal until her passing. Sharon had an amazing team of employees and business advocates who are still behind her, and they are bringing forward what she started 47 years ago.

Sharon loved football. She was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns, Ohio State University and any team that beat the Pittsburgh Steelers and Michigan. Born a December baby, she loved Christmas, and every room in her home had a little Christmas merriness to be discovered.

Sharon, the youngest of three, was preceded in death by her brother, John C. Gore.

She leaves her sister, Freda Gentry, 92, of Georgia; children, Cheryl and Stephen Soyka, Gerrikaye and Richard Duesenberry, Tony LaRocca and fiancee, Tracey DeProfio; three grandchildren, Anthony (Alia) LaRocca, Alyssa (Ethan) Baker and Brianna LaRocca; and two great-grandchildren, Paisley and Bennett LaRocca.

Additionally, she leaves lifelong friends from the Youngstown and Warren area, the best of personnel at local area businesses, business associates who became trusted friends and advisers, and her extended family, the past and present employees of Duca Manufacturing.

The family welcomes you to celebrate Sharon’s life on her birthday, Dec. 17, 2025, at Davis Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512. A small remembrance service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 1:30 p.m.

If you wish to make a contribution, Sharon would be honored to have her memory carried forward through the services of Hospice House, Poland.

“Godspeed Sharon. The sounds of your journey will echo on.”

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