Obituary of Duane L. McConnell

Duane L. McConnell, 74, formerly of Virgil passed away August 9, 2023 at his current home in Painted Post NY, with family by his side after a long battle of the side effects of agent orange. He was born April 15, 1949 in Cortland. Duane was raised and educated locally. After high school he attended and graduated from SUNY Cobleskill then studied for a year at Cornell University. Following his studies Duane worked at the Beck Farm in McLean. In 1969 he joined the US Army and was honorably discharged in 1972. He then joined the Cortland City Police Dept., until an injury while working prevented him from continuing with the police dept. He soon went to work at Reed’s Seeds then completed his working career at Pall Trinity Corp. in 2010. After retirement Duane and his wife enjoyed traveling in their motorhome across the United States. He was an avid equestrian, enjoyed woodworking, camping and art. He is survived by his wife of 52 yrs. Cheryl Marshall McConnell, his faithful dog Kyah, his daughters Alicia “Sis” (Jamie) Wilcox, Culleen “Ralphie” (John) Courtney Sr., Carrie “Bird” (Doug) Rankin, his brother Barney (Valerie) McConnell, his grandchildren Meghan, Mike, James, Catlyne, John Jr., Drew and Deegan, great grandchildren Levi, Harley, James, and Michael, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a great nephew. Duane was predeceased by his parents Bernal and Bessie McConnell, his brother Bernal “Bucky” McConnell, his sister and brother in law Margaret “Peggy” and Randy Courtney. Calling ours will be Monday 5-7 pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home inc., 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland NY, 13045 Funeral services will be held Tuesday 11 am at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at the Virgil Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, 91 Owego St., Cortland NY, 13045. To offer online condolences or “Live Stream” services visit www.wright-beard.com and select Duane’s obituary.