Leon “Lee” Duttkin passed away peacefully Feb. 28, 2022 at the age of 79 in Red Bank.
A lifelong jock and avid outdoorsman, Lee enjoyed tennis, cycling, skiing, hiking with a faithful dog by his side, and taking his truck off-road. He was at his happiest, however, when he was on the water, whether swimming off the coast near his hometown of Atlantic Highlands or in the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean, kayaking on the Delaware, or attempting to outrun the Marine Police going full speed in a NJ Speed Skiff or on his boat appropriately named “Nice Boat” on the Navesink River. He loved to share these passions with his friends, family and, most of all, with his kindred spirit, partner-in-crime and wife, Kathleen.
Lee was such a tremendous swimmer that, at his favorite swimming spot on Monmouth Beach, it was not uncommon for the police to be called when Lee entered the ocean and would disappear, emerging two miles down the beach. Lee would always treat these occurrences the way he did most things in life – with a hearty laugh and an ear-to-ear smile.
As an entrepreneur Lee earned a reputation as a knowledgeable, honest and fair businessman, whether it was his laundry start-up in the Navy, the family motel he took over in Florida or more recently his investments in Vieques. Through hard work, determination and ingenuity, Lee successfully operated his own heavy equipment company and turned his unbridled passion for work, along with the desire to help everyone, into a prosperous, rewarding business.
Lee had a never-ending supply of unconditional love for all things. Perhaps his greatest quality was his tremendous generosity. He would give you the Gortex jacket off his back if he thought you needed it. His friends and family always knew that if they had a question, Lee was always there to provide his counsel and, if he did not know the answer, he would show up at your doorstep and struggle along with you in accomplishing your task.
Lee is survived by his children, Scott and Tracy, and their children. He is also survived by his loving wife Kathleen and step-children, David and Lauren. He leaves behind a close circle of friends who will greatly miss his contagious laugh and nearly endless supply of stories of adventure, often sprinkled with a bit of harmless mischief.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity K9s for Warriors (k9sforwarriors.org) or Monmouth Conservation Foundation (monmouthconservation.org).
A memorial service was held March 16 at Posten McGinley Funeral Home, Atlantic Highlands, which included a prayer service celebrating Lee’s life with Pastor John Monroe presiding.
The article originally appeared in the March 17 – 23, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
