POTSDAM – A Celebration of Life gathering for Duane M. Kirkey, 73, a resident of Sisson Street, Potsdam, will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the Potsdam Elks Lodge starting at 1 p.m. Burial will be held in St. Mart's Cemetery, Potsdam in the spring. Mr. Kirkey passed away early Monday morning, February 3, 2025 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital with family at his side. Duane is survived by a son, Brad and Sarah Kirkey, Locust Grove, VA; two daughters, Stephanie and Matt Burcume, Midlothian, VA; Jaime Brown and her fiancé Marcus Keleher, Potsdam; his eight grandchildren- Bailey, Tyler, Carter Burcume; Marissa and Dallas Brown; Jack, Emma and Lila Kirkey; a brother, Brian Kirkey and his companion Patty Woodward, Potsdam; a sister-in-law, Susan Kirkey, FL and ex-wife and friend, Debbie Narrow. Duane was pre-deceased by his parents Gerald and Theresa, a brother Donald and a sister-in-law, Judith Kirkey.

Born in Massena, NY on December 12, 1951 to the late Gerald J. and Theresa Paige Kirkey, Duane worked as a mechanic and bodyman, working for Stan's in Potsdam and Relco in Syracuse and most recently worked in the woods, working for Whites Logging. In his spare time, Duane enjoyed visiting with family and friends, working on cars and watching NASCAR. Memories and condolences for Duane may be shared online at www.buckfuneralhome.com . The Buck Funeral Home in Norwood is serving the family of Duane M. Kirkey.