Duane W. Holcomb

On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, Duane Webb Holcomb, 70, passed away peacefully, reuniting with beloved wife, Robin, in Heaven after a long, hard-fought battle with lung cancer. Duane has deeply missed his “beloved bride” since her untimely passing on January 21, 2019, from esophageal cancer. Duane and Robin shared many wonderful times throughout their 44-year marriage, including camping and attending James Taylor's annual 4th of July concert in Lenox, MA. Duane and Robin also enjoyed playing cards and having a drink (or two) on Saturday nights. It was always a Captain Morgan's rum and coke for Robin and Grey Goose Vodka with a splash of orange juice (just for coloring) for Duane. Before Robin's death, they shared a love for crafting, creating beautiful lamps from recycled glass bottles. Duane spent hours crafting wooden bases in his garage workshop while Robin added her creative touch. They sold these at local craft fairs, cherishing the time spent together. Their thrift store adventures searching for unique bottles—especially vintage Avon perfume bottles—were a favorite pastime. Aside from spending time with Robin, Duane also enjoyed watching baseball, especially the Yankees, watching old western movies, reading western inspired books, and listening to music. A particular favorite was Alice's Restaurant, played at noon on Thanksgiving day. Duane was a hard worker most of his life until COVID forced him into early retirement, and cancer slowed him down. Aside from working at Strenkert Machine Shop from 1994 - 2020, Duane also helped his brother Don on the family farm, milking and feeding the cows. Every fall, Duane and his father, Robert, would travel to Pennsylvania and Massachusetts for dairy cattle shows, oftentimes with one of his kids tagging along. A big kid at heart, Duane had a sharp sense of humor, often mischievous and playful. Anytime someone asked how he was doing, the response was the same, “mean, miserable, and rotten”. If you had the pleasure of knowing and spending time with him, you will likely have many memories of his jokes. He took guilty pleasure in knowing that his banter with people in public often embarrassed his children. His unique ordering style, 'bun, burger, bun, well done,' was unforgettable to anyone dining with him. Duane was predeceased by his wife, Robin; and his parents, Robert and Ethel Holcomb. Duane was a brother to Donald and spouse Brenda Holcomb; son-in-law to Marjorie Sampson; Dad to Shannon Holcomb, Sabrina (Adam) Stroud and Joshua (Ariel) Holcomb; Bompy to Rilee, Keydan, Abigail, Elizabeth, Jacek, Hannah, Collin, Easton, and Bradley; and was Unc to Scott (Emily) Holcomb and Louise (Shawn) Parks. Many extended family and friends also survive Duane. It was apparent to everyone how much Duane loved family, especially his wife, kids, and grandkids. Before cancer, it didn't take much convincing for the grandkids to get their Bompy to play along, whether riding bikes, going down a slide, or playing make-believe. Before chemo took his hair, Duane delighted his grandkids by letting them tug on his beard, laughing as they tried to pluck a strand or two. Though his passing leaves a void, we take solace in knowing Duane is at peace, reunited with Robin, the love of his life. Their love and legacy will live on in our hearts and memories, inspiring us always. Friends of the family may call from 1:00pm to 4:00pm Sunday, January 26 at Root Funeral Home, 23 N. Chenango St, Greene, NY 13778. A private burial will take place in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Guthrie Hospice, 421 Tomahawk Road, Towanda, PA 18848. Arrangements are under the direction of Root Funeral Home and condolences may be sent to the family at www.rootfh.com.

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