Duane Wiktorek

May 2, 1951 - November 14, 2020

Duane Wiktorek 5/2/1951-11/14/2020 Duane Wiktorek 69 of Jacksonville, Florida (formally Johnson City, New York) passed away on Saturday November 14, 2020 in the loving arms of his wife of 35 years, Laura Wiktorek. He has reunited in heaven with family members and numerous friends. Duane is predeceased by his son Michael Mead, sister Barbara Dembowski, nephew Tommy Mathews, parents John & Jessie Wiktorek and in-laws John & Joan Rudgick. In addition to his wife, Duane is survived by his son and daughter in law, Steven & Lauren Wiktorek and grandchildren Logan, Cameron and a new baby on the way Ashton, all of Jacksonville, Florida. His Daughter and son in law, Nikki & Scott Goble and grandchildren Maisy (Goble), Evan, Dante, Erick, Anolan, Johanne & Jessica (Ventura) Rigal and two new great grandchildren Elias & Samaria of Johnson City, New York. He also leaves behind his brother and sister in laws, Susan Rudgick of Jacksonville, Mary Tasker of Johnson City and John Rudgick of Scranton in addition to numerous friends and family members. He will be sorely missed by his bull mastiff and best friend Jeter. Duane was a pillar of strength and resilience, surviving two kidney transplants and cheating death for over thirty-five years. An avid lifelong New York Yankees fan, he spent many years cheering on the Johnson City Wildcats as a wrestler himself and then again while his children and grandchildren successfully competed in various sports. In his younger years, he lived hard and fast enjoying thrills and adventures on motorcycles and snowmobiles in the company of close friends. He was an avid golfer the sport was passed from father to son over several generations in the Wiktorek family. Duane was also an automobile enthusiast and spent many years restoring cars and sometimes showing them off in car shows and parades. This passion culminated his prized possession, a fully restored Black & Gold 1979 Trans Am Thunderbird. He opened his heart and home with generosity to friends and family alike. Duane could often be found in the kitchen or at the grill cooking up delicious meals for family and friends while blasting classic rock in the background. His easy-going nature and kind heart will truly be missed by all. The family will not be hosting services at this time due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We would like to encourage friends and family to ‘Commit an Act of Kindness’ in Duane’s name. This can be done privately or shared in the comments below or on Duane’s Facebook page, so we can smile upon the warmth of your gestures. Duane was a kind and generous soul. Our family hopes this will help to spread joy in a way that represents how he lived his life. A Commemorative Poem by Laura Wiktorek: Duane, A light hearted-loving son…You truly knew how to have fun! A composition of naughty & nice and definitely full of spice! Dear husband…. We were a perfect match! What a catch! The yin and the yang. Gentle yet strong… Far from perfect, yet perfect for me. The epitome of true Love for all to see. We walked together through heaven and hell. You, Managed to Cheat death half your life…I’m proud to be called your wife! Blessed and honored to hold you tight, when you took your last breath that November night. Nikki, Michael & Steve, Dad and I loved you more than you could see…. There is no adequate phrase for the feelings of joy & pride we raised. Grandpa perhaps the saddest role of all, the kids will miss you most of all. The impact you left on each of our lives will make a difference in their little lives. Duane was a friend to all way too many to mention or call but you know who you are, Mike, Jack & Don most of all. May he rest in peace reunited with family and friends. Until we meet again, my forever love you, Laura