The bird, known as Desmond Drake, was killed by a fox. He lived for 25 years - well above the life span of a normal duck.
Larger than his contemporaries, Desmond was known for keeping other birds in their place, and for eating large amounts of stale bread and cake people no longer wanted.
St Michael's Church in Compton Martin, northeast Somerset, lowered its flag as residents gathered for a wake at the local Ring O Bells pub.
Andrew Griffiths, a local who knew Desmond, told the Western Daily Press: "He has been a permanent fixture of the pond, for in excess of 25 years, outliving all his contemporaries.
"He has brought much joy and happiness to people of all ages. He will be sadly missed and so can never be replaced.
"We will all have a drink in the pub. He was a very long serving duck and member of the community.
"He became family, he became a village icon. There was even a little society, the blood of the duck, and we would drink whiskey with a duck egg in.
"Lots of people have been giving their condolences since his death."
The headline of today's story was kindly supplied by Premier Drive listener, Geoff.