Rae Harris Duato's Obituary
Rae Harris Duato, 93, a lifelong resident of St. Petersburg, died June 23, 2021. She was born January 14, 1928, at Faith Hospital, now St. Anthony's, to Katherine S. Harris Lilly and Ira H. Harris. She attended Glenoak Elementary School, Southside Jr. High and graduated from St. Petersburg High in the Class of 1945. After high school, she went to work at the City Hall where she met her future husband, Robert R. Duato Sr. They had two sons, Robert Jr. and James. In 1954, she went to work at the new Sunshine Skyway Bridge where she worked for 33 years until her retirement. She was the Supervisor on duty when the Summit Venture hit the bridge, causing its collapse. In addition to her two sons, she is survived by her cousin, Jerry Mackey of Wisconsin and his family; cousin, Kay S. Smith of New Jersey and her family; nephew, Robert S. Duato of Apollo Beach and his family; and niece, Peggy D. Larson of Zephyrhills and her family. At her request, there will be no service.
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