Duane Hunter Abrams, 67, of Marcellus, passed away at his home Sunday morning October 30, 2016 after a long illness. Born May 19, 1949, Duane was the eldest son of Clifford and Elinor Abrams of Skaneateles and lived most of his life in that town.
Duane was predeceased by his wife Renee who passed away in 2007.
Survived by a sister, Lynne of Boulder Colorado, and brother, Dale of Skaneateles, New York, son Devan of New York City, daughter Morgan of Manteca, California, niece Cassidy Sainsbury of Colorado and two grandchildren, Ashleigh and Jace of Manteca, California.
In his later years, he shared his life and home with Eileen Price, his close friend and companion.
Duane graduated from Skaneateles High School in 1967 and was a pitcher for the baseball team and an accomplished golfer. He went to college at Ashland University in Ohio during the turbulent years of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s; he was involved heavily in the politics of the time. He graduated with a Political Science Degree with a Minor in Sociology 1971. It was at that time in his life when he developed his love for the music of the era, attended Woodstock and solidified his views on the changes that came with that generation.
Duane loved his adopted town of Marcellus and the people he became good friends with. Especially at Daniel’s Creekside restaurant. But his heart always belonged to Skaneateles where he grew up. A favorite pastime, he would talk about what a wonderful and unique town it was to grow up in. His family owned and operated several businesses at that time and he would work in them, establishing a strong work ethic. After college, he became a salesman of electronic products and other various assundries, covering most of the northeast territory.
Duane’s favorite territory was his hometown. He was a social icon, very quick witted and had more friends than could be counted. He truly loved holding court with them all on any weekend at Morris’ Grill or The Sherwood Inn, Fabin’s or The Townhouse. Duane was fond of vacationing south, many times taking in the sun at Coral Bay, St. Johns in the Caribbean with a few close friends. He would cruise the warm waters staying on the ‘Silver Cloud’, a sailing ship captained by his good friend, Elliot Hooper. Wherever he went, the stories were unique, always funny and sometimes ‘historically colorful’. Duane always corrected the phrase ‘I grew up’, claiming he never did. ‘Growing old is mandatory’ he’d say, growing up is an option’.
His familiar smile and friendship will be missed by everyone.
Calling hours will be Saturday, November 5, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home on Jordan Street, Skaneateles. A reception will be held Sunday, November 6, at 2 p.m. at the American Legion Post on Jordan Street in Skaneateles. A graveside service on Monday, November 7, at 10:30 a.m. at the Lakeview Cemetery, section 6, West Genesee Street, Skaneateles is open to all who to wish to attend. Donations may be made to the ASPCA, Hospice and the American Legion.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
Duane was predeceased by his wife Renee who passed away in 2007.
Survived by a sister, Lynne of Boulder Colorado, and brother, Dale of Skaneateles, New York, son Devan of New York City, daughter Morgan of Manteca, California, niece Cassidy Sainsbury of Colorado and two grandchildren, Ashleigh and Jace of Manteca, California.
In his later years, he shared his life and home with Eileen Price, his close friend and companion.
Duane graduated from Skaneateles High School in 1967 and was a pitcher for the baseball team and an accomplished golfer. He went to college at Ashland University in Ohio during the turbulent years of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s; he was involved heavily in the politics of the time. He graduated with a Political Science Degree with a Minor in Sociology 1971. It was at that time in his life when he developed his love for the music of the era, attended Woodstock and solidified his views on the changes that came with that generation.
Duane loved his adopted town of Marcellus and the people he became good friends with. Especially at Daniel’s Creekside restaurant. But his heart always belonged to Skaneateles where he grew up. A favorite pastime, he would talk about what a wonderful and unique town it was to grow up in. His family owned and operated several businesses at that time and he would work in them, establishing a strong work ethic. After college, he became a salesman of electronic products and other various assundries, covering most of the northeast territory.
Duane’s favorite territory was his hometown. He was a social icon, very quick witted and had more friends than could be counted. He truly loved holding court with them all on any weekend at Morris’ Grill or The Sherwood Inn, Fabin’s or The Townhouse. Duane was fond of vacationing south, many times taking in the sun at Coral Bay, St. Johns in the Caribbean with a few close friends. He would cruise the warm waters staying on the ‘Silver Cloud’, a sailing ship captained by his good friend, Elliot Hooper. Wherever he went, the stories were unique, always funny and sometimes ‘historically colorful’. Duane always corrected the phrase ‘I grew up’, claiming he never did. ‘Growing old is mandatory’ he’d say, growing up is an option’.
His familiar smile and friendship will be missed by everyone.
Calling hours will be Saturday, November 5, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home on Jordan Street, Skaneateles. A reception will be held Sunday, November 6, at 2 p.m. at the American Legion Post on Jordan Street in Skaneateles. A graveside service on Monday, November 7, at 10:30 a.m. at the Lakeview Cemetery, section 6, West Genesee Street, Skaneateles is open to all who to wish to attend. Donations may be made to the ASPCA, Hospice and the American Legion.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
