Duane A. Benedict

He was born on Dec. 2, 1951, in Warren, a son to the late Allen and Mary (Crippen) Benedict. Duane graduated from Youngsville High School in 1969. He enjoyed farming throughout his life and also worked for National Forge for 17 years and then Cummins Engine for 27 years.

The heart and soul of this man was being a farmer, raising cattle and putting up a good crop of hay. For the last 53 years, he planted and tended his vegetable garden and restored two old John Deere tractors. Duane couldn’t pass an antique store without stopping. He loved polka music and a highlight was meeting “Molly B” in person. He was a dedicated volunteer at the Warren County Fair as co-chair of the Home and Garden Building. He was so proud of his children and his grandchildren brought him immense joy. He cheered them on at all of their sporting events. The little ones will miss getting caught in grandpas’s bear trap.

Duane is survived by his loving wife, Sandra (Kuzminski) Benedict, who he married on May 13, 1972 in Warren; his children, Matthew (Julie) Benedict of New Hampshire, Karen Blauser (Brian Murrett) of Pittsfield, Andrew (Hillarie) Benedict of Waterford and Tim (Allie) Benedict of Pittsfield; his grandchildren, Ethan, Sarah, Ben, Corallie, Rhenlie, Colt, Huxton and Megan; his siblings, Diane (Chris) Payne of Pittsfield, and Dennis (Kathleen) Benedict of Youngsville; his brother and sister in laws, Frank (Debra) Kuzminski of Pittsfield, Allan (Judy) Kuzminski of Youngsville, Judy (Jurgen) Kellogg of Pittsfield, Ken (Deanna) Kuzminski of Sugar Grove and Janet DeMore of Pittsfield, as well as several nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Duane was preceded in death by his mother and father in law, Grace and Frank Kuzminski; a son-in-law, Andrew Blauser and his brother-in-law, Orie DeMore.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 12 at the Youngsville Free Methodist Church, 179 Davis St., Youngsville, PA 16371, from 3-6 pm at which time a memorial service will be held there with the Rev. Dennis Ledebur, lay pastor of the Irvine Presbyterian Church, officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the Brokenstraw Fish & Game Club, PO Box 143 Youngsville, PA 16371 or to the Garland VFD, 31 Bailey Lane, Garland, PA 16416.

The Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, in Youngsville, have been entrusted with all arrangements. Condolences to the family may be made at nelsonfuneralhome.net.