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Duke Flags Lowered: Former AVP of Auxiliary Services Joe Pietrantoni Dies

Memorial service set for Monday in Duke Chapel

Former associate vice president for auxiliary services Joseph Pietrantoni passed away Tuesday night at the age of 78.

Joe Pietrantoni Pietrantoni, known among friends as “Joe Piet,” retired from Duke in 2003 after 33 years of service. During his tenure, he built an auxiliary infrastructure that became the envy of many universities and influenced almost every aspect of the student experience outside the classroom.

Shortly after his retirement, Pietrantoni was honored with the University Medal, the university's highest honor. He began his career at Duke on Feb. 9, 1970, after spending his early years at General Electric and GE Aerospace. At Duke, Pietrantoni became known for his innovative approach to operations at Duke, including the introduction of the DukeCard that is now carried by every student, faculty, and staff member.

“Not enough people recognize or remember how far ahead of his time Joe and his students and staff were,” said Tallman Trask, III, executive vice president. “They essentially invented the campus card now found on every college campus. Joe was a wonderful person. His wit and energy made him a quick friend to anyone he met.”

The memorial service is open to the public and will be held on Monday, April 3, at 3 p.m. in Duke Chapel.  A visitation will be held on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. at Clements Funeral Home on Broad St.