| Date of Birth | October 29, 1935 |
| Date Deceased | July 19, 2024 |
| Hometown | North Hornell |
| Home State | NY |
| Service Date | August 19, 2024 |
| Service Time | 10 a.m. |
| Service Location | Webbs Crossing Bible Church |
| Interment Location | Rural Cemetery, Hornell |
Duane T. Heineman
NORTH HORNELL – Duane T. Heineman, 88, formerly of Elmwood Avenue, left this world on Friday (July 19, 2024) after a full and happy life of professional accomplishment, family, community service, and travel.
He was born in Buffalo, NY on Oct. 29, 1935 and grew up in nearby Springbrook, NY with his parents, Earl and Della Heineman and his older brother, Bruce and younger sister, Sharon. Duane was a strong student, graduating from East Aurora High School in 1953 and Cornell University with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering Degree in 1958. There he was a proud member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and met his loving wife, Sarah Stack of Medford, MA and they were married in the summer of 1958. After a brief but memorable stint in El Paso, TX during Duane’s service in the Army, they made Springbrook, NY their home until 1978. Their family grew steadily with sons, Jeff (1959), Jim (1960), Bill (1965), and daughter, Susan (1969), for a time living with each set of grandparents in the two houses next door.
Duane began a long and accomplished career with the NY State Department of Transportation (DOT) in 1959, rising from the ranks of the planning and design departments—where he played a significant role in the design of the Aurora Expressway—to senior management in the DOT office in Buffalo, NY. He also taught surveying at Erie Community College during the 1960s. In 1978 he was appointed Regional Director of the DOT office in Hornell, NY and led many important projects including construction of the Corning Bypass; he retired in 1993.
Duane was a dedicated member of the Elma United Methodist Church in Elma, NY and later the Spencer United Methodist Church and Hornell United Methodist Church in Hornell. He also served on the board, and was Chairman, of the Maple City Savings Bank, FSB and was President of Hornell Rotary Club. He served on the board, and as Executive Director, of the Bethesda Foundation and served on the board of Kids Café. He was also a driver for Faith in Action in Hornell.
The Heineman Family’s early lives were full of birthday parties, snowy Christmas’ and regular travel around the United States including the annual Cornell Homecoming Weekend. Eventually, Sarah and Duane saw all four kids off to college, married off three and eventually welcomed eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren into the family. After retirement, they engaged in many overseas trips to Europe, Russia, Canada, Turkey, and Morocco. Duane enjoyed playing golf and was an avid fan of Cornell and Buffalo sports teams and had season tickets to the Buffalo Bills games for decades. Duane loved his homes, pets, vegetable gardens, and puttering around his yard. A highlight of almost every summer was family get togethers in the Adirondack Mountains with dear Cornell friends Ruth and Fred Ehrlich and their family. Duane’s family and friends will always remember his kindness, loyalty, work ethic, level-headedness, commitment to doing the job well, and his love for all of us.
He is lovingly survived by his sister, Sharon (husband, Nick) Lazarus; sons, Jeff (companion, Amy), Jim (companion, Ivy), William (wife, Linda); daughter, Susan (husband, Tom) Stanko; eight grandchildren, Cristopher James, Kelsey, Louis, Tyler, Joanna, Kate, Madeline and Emily; three great-grandchildren, Emeri, JR and Cameron; as well as multiple nieces, nephews and cousins.
Duane was predeceased by his parents, Earl P. and Della (Becker) Heineman; his loving wife of 65 years, Sarah (Stack) Heineman; and his brother, Bruce Heineman.
There will be no calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at the Webbs Crossing Bible Church (the former United Methodist Church), 7528 North Main St., Ext. where a funeral service will take place in his memory at 10 a.m. MONDAY (AUG. 19, 2024). Inurnment will be in Rural Cemetery, Hornell.
A CELEBRATION OF DUANE’S LIFE WILL FOLLOW AT 11:30 A.M. AT THE MAIN PLACE, 251 MAIN ST., HORNELL
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Bethesda Foundation, 396 Cleveland Ave., Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Duane’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Duane are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
It was quite a shock to hear of Duane’s passing. I had tried to call him a couple times the week he passed and left messages. When he didn’t return my calls I was afraid he might be in the hospital, but never expected to hear of his passing.
Duane and I called each other frequently and the last time I talked to him he sounded so good, the best I had heard him in a long time. He told me that he felt he had done the right thing in making the move he hold made and that he really was happy there. I will miss our visits!
I worked for Duane for many years at the DOT, we went to the same Church and we both were Trustees for Rural Cemetery, so saw each other frequently.
He was a good friend!
Truly enjoyed working with Duane on the Cemetery Board. His wealth of knowledge made all of our jobs so much easier. Knew of him prior throughout the years as he was both my Dad & Brother boss. Always heard great things about this gentleman throughout the years. RIP old friend & Thank you for all your Inspiration. Tom Drumm, & The Entire Board of Rural Cemetery.
A life well lived, Duane was the consummate professional, I enjoyed my dealings with Duane when I was Mayor of the City of Hornell , may not have always seen eye to eye , but you always knew where he stood. He has run the good race, he gave much back to this community. I for one appreciate his service. Rest in peace my friend.
Condolences to the family, and thank you for writing this lovely and loving tribute. Clearly, this was a man who made a positive difference in many circles.
I was so sorry and saddened to hear of Duane ‘s passing. My name is Chris Kettner and I worked with Duane as a secretary for the Bethesda Foundation in 2000. He was such a joy to work with. In 2001I moved from Hornell to Florida. We traded Christmas cards every year and he kept me up to date with news regarding the
Foundation. My condolences to the family.
It is with heavy hearts that we send our love and sympathy. Uncle Duane was a remarkable, wonderful man. We were blessed to have him in our lives. Lucky for all the years we shared together. So many memories! It’s a true gift to be a part of a large family! We regret that we will be unable to attend his service. We will be there in spirit. As we say goodbye to a cherished member of the family we know he will live forever in our hearts and memories! Thinking of you all. Love, Bonnie&Rhonda
Bill, prayers for you and your family.