John A. Duvall

Retired attorney John Alexander Duvall, a long-time resident of Potter County, died Tuesday (Feb. 20, 2007) at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, Fla. He had been in ill health for several months.

Born on May 5, 1922, in Monessen, he was a son of Chauncey and Agnes Gregg Duvall. On Nov. 7, 1953, he married the former Ruth Gibb, who survives.

A graduate of Monessen High School, Mr. Duvall went on to study law at Dickinson College and graduated from Dickinson Law School. He was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Air Force.

He was of the Methodist faith and earned the coveted 33rd Degree of Freemasonry as a member of the Coudersport Masonic Lodge.

Mr. Duvall practiced law in Potter County for a halfcentury. Among the positions he held were district attorney, public defender and county solicitor.

He was well-known for his sense of humor and his compassion for others. His law practice in Coudersport afforded several members of the local legal community the opportunity to begin a local practice. Among attorneys who started their Coudersport careers with the Duvall firm were Jeff Leber, Dan Milliard and David Acker.

For many years he was an active member of Coudersport Rotary Club. He was also a leader of the American Red Cross and the Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as American Legion Post 192.

He was on the board of directors of Citizens Trust Company and the Northern Tier Children's Home. He was also supportive of the National Organization for Women and an advocate of equal rights and social justice.

In his spare time, he enjoyed social gatherings and automobile racing. For several years, he served as a marshal for Sports Car Club of America races at Watkins Glen, N.Y., often accompanied by his good friend and neighbor, John F. Domaleski.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are four daughters: Jane A. Duvall of San Diego, Calif.; Barbara Duvall and husband Bob Edgell of Dawson Springs, Ky.; Martha J. Duvall and husband Robert Gonsky of Lumberton, N.C.; and Suzanne G. Duvall of San Diego, Calif.

Family members will schedule a memorial service in Potter County in the coming months. Burial will be in Monongahela.