The first permanent fund to be created within the WCCF, the John R. Duskey Fund, was done so by a contribution from board member John R. Duskey.
John, a founding trustee of the Foundation Board, was born and educated in Washington. He retired from Bell Atlantic after nearly 43 years of service and continued to serve as a volunteer for many organizations in Washington County.
Serving as Chairman for 9 years, John was also significantly involved in the Washington County Manufacturers Association.
John was Past President of the Washington Lions Club, Trinity Area School Board, Tournaments, Inc., Washington-Greene County Blind Association, and the Washington Industrial Development Corporation. He also served as Chairman of Representative Leo Trich’s Job Retention Task Force and served on the Washington County Chamber of Commerce Board for 10 years.
As an environmentalist John was also known for his founding of the former Youth Conservation Camp in 1986. During its 15 years of operation, teenagers spent a week learning about the environment and spending time outdoors. For his dedication to conservation issues John received the 2001 Individual Conservation Award by the Washington County Conservation District.
He chose to establish a discretionary fund that will serve to support any appropriate need as determined by the Board of Trustees and continue his legacy of volunteer service. John passed away in 2018.