Duncan Hamilton

VERONA – Duncan McAlister Hamilton, age 78, died on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Duncan was born on August 7, 1948, in Philadelphia, PA, to Richard and Katherine (Pancoast) Hamilton.

As a young child, Duncan moved with his parents to post-war Germany, where his father served as a United States diplomat. The family then moved to Italy for five years. While overseas, Duncan became a big brother to three sisters. His family returned to Virginia during his high school years, where he attended Flint Hill School. 

Duncan attended Haverford College in PA, and later the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam war, where he worked as a radio operator.  After his service, he traveled the country, eventually settling in Wisconsin.

Duncan was a lifelong artist whose creativity knew no bounds.  Always doodling, drawing and painting, Dunc was constantly experimenting and exploring the interplay of light and dark, color and shape, and cosmic concepts. Art was not simply something Duncan did, it was part of who he was. He was a student of the universe. Duncan's creative spirit never faded, even as his vision became impaired by macular degeneration.

Duncan enjoyed music of all kinds, reading, writing, baseball, soccer, frisbee and he loved the outdoors . He was also an avid amateur astronomer.  

Duncan is survived by his sisters, Sallie, Lindsay (George), and Annie (Erik); and niece/nephews: Anna Kate (Jake), children Aspen and Ashley; Sam (Holly), child Frankie; Ben (Elise), Jesse (Esra), child James; and Max. 

He is also survived by cousins Beth, Chip, Stacy, Greta, Kathie and Ted.

Duncan will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a remarkable collection of art, and the lasting impact of his humor and kindness. He was a gentleman.

A gathering hoopla to honor and remember Duncan will be held at a later date.

Special thanks to Miller & Sons Market in Verona, the VA Home Based Primary Care Team (especially Melanie) and the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison.

Donations in Duncan's memory may be made to Ehlers Danlos Society  https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/tributes/

To view his guestbook and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com


Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Verona Chapel
220 Enterprise Drive
608-845-6625