Doucas James Goranites

Born in Lewiston, ME he was the son of James & Mary Goranites. He attended Edward Little High School where he was the 1959 State Champion heavyweight wrestler and excelled in football and track & field. After high school Duke attended Bentley College, graduating in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting where he also served on the Student Council.

Never wanting to “sit and do nothing” Duke was active in a multitude of civic, charitable and religious organizations in Maine, Ohio and Florida.

Duke was a member of city & county Republican Committees, city bicentennial committees, school board, Shriner’s as well as the Lions Club. He proudly served as past Chapter President of the Androscoggin Shrine Club as well as past Chapter President of Harrison Lions Club and District Governor for the State of Maine.

However, Duke was most proud of his work with the Church. He served as President of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Lewiston, ME, during which time the parish built a new Church and parish house, established an Endowment Fund and purchased a section of Oak Hill Cemetery for use by the parishioners.

After relocating to Florida in 2014, Duke continued his civic involvement with the Sahib Shrine. He also proudly served on the Parish Council of St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Sarasota, FL as both Treasurer and President. During his time at St. Barbara, Duke also chaired the building of a new dome, established an Endowment Fund and assisted with the purchase of a section of Palm Gardens cemetery for use by the parishioners.

Duke is survived by his wife of 53 years, Charlene Goranites nee Rallis. Their first date was on Halloween and Duke loved to inform everyone that he was “tricked” while Charlene was “treated”. He is also survived by his daughters Eleni Goranites (Sheldon), Angela Nicolopoulos (George) and granddaughters Ellie & Chloe. He is also survived by his siblings Antonia Spirounias (Charlie), Georgia Chomas, Kyriaki Harrington (John), Olympia Snowe (Jock), Peter Goranites (Rosemary) many, many adored nephews/nieces, grand-nephews and nieces, godchildren, friends and a Florida Brother (Art).

Duke was an agricultural and financial consultant for 60 years, overseeing operations for dairy, cattle, hog, chicken and egg productions across a dozen states.

A viewing for Doucas will be held Wednesday, February 19, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 7671 Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243. A Trisagion Service will be at 6:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Doucas' memory may be made to St. Barbara Endowment Fund, https://onrealm.org/StBarbara/give/2023.