I was so sorry to read of Duane’s passing in the current issue of Villanova Magazine.  Duane made an impression on me when I first met him when I was a walk on player during my sophomore year at Villanova.  He was one of the most upbeat people that I have ever met, not just at Villanova, but in life.
He was a  gentleman and an all around good guy.  

I just received a copy of the Villanova University Magazine in the mail today ...I was very sad to read Duane's name listed on the page I alway brace myself to read.   I was a sophomore on the football when Duane was a senior....he was a great person...all the guys on the team admired and respected him and loved it when he told his many stories.....all the guys who played on the football team shared a bond and a close friendship....our teammates were awesome....Duane was always so good to me ....he was so upbeat and positive every day....I will never forget him, and I know all the guys feel the same way.....Best to all Family Members.   We all lost a very special person.....Dennis Scannell VU 1974. 

Duane was my lab partner in a Biology class for a semester.  We actually did our blood types together.  Never saw him again after that but remembered him while reading the latest Nova magazine.  Instantly my mind was flooded with reminisces of one of the nicest, happiest, and confident people I ever met. I actually looked forward to that class ... he made it fun! Rest In Peace  my friend, you sure left a nice legacy. 

I was sorry to hear of Duane's passing.  I attended Villanova with Duane from 1969 to 1973.  Even though, I have not seen or been in contact with him for many years, I have thought of him often with many great memories, both on and off the field.  My sympathies to the entire family.  As I looked through the photos, I am number 60 in the photo of Duane running the ball.
May his memory be eternal!

Nick Sremanak
Class of 1973
1972 Football Co-Captain


Duane was a great friend and teammate. He always had time to listen to what you had to say.  And help whether on the field or off. I am honored to have known him. He will always be missed.

I will always remember him for his kindness and humility when I moved to Pa from Ohio. Coach Pal had him help me with my equipment as he was nursing an injury.  I liked him immediately and was honored to have him as a friend and teammate.

I met Duane in a collision on the Strafford Elementary School playground in 1st grade.  We both were running, didn't see each other, hit the ground, got up, apologized and asked if the other was alright.  He was a good guy then and always has been.  He will be missed.

Duane was the single person I most looked forward to seeing at the Conestoga Reunions.  We gathered at Jeff Chapelle's home to meet Duane's wife and to share memories.  He was so full of life.  I can't believe he's gone. Loved his Facebook posts! Respect to the whole family.

Although I hadn't seen Duane in a long time, had stopped playing Golf a while ago, I recall our conversations my Senior Year (1970)  Re: the unique challenges facing Black student athletes @ Villanova  in the late 60's/early 70's relative to the Civil Rights Movement, the advent of the Black Student League (BSL) on campus, &  Black student athletes representing approximately  " .5% " of VU student body (25 / 5,000).  Duane was good people, a great role model.  My Sincerest Condolences to his family/friends.  R.I.P.  Brother. 

Gene Arthur 
Class of '70
1969 Football Co-Capt. 

I remember Duane coming to Villanova with a little more maturity than most.  He brought that big smile and welcoming attitude.  He was hard working and his company was enjoyed by all.  He  will always be remembered by his teammates.  Rest in peace my friend.

I remember Duane well, from 7th to 12th grade. From TE to Conestoga. He came from a great family as I also remember Walt.
The best from our class seem to pass too soon. My thoughts & prayers are with the family. God bless.

Duane Holland  personified the meaning and beauty of life! I knew him as a fellow athlete at Conestoga  High School,but his personality and friendship went beyond blood sweat and tears.We grew together as white and black men who saw no differences ,only friendship,mutual respect ,and similarity during a time of transition.I thank Duane for clarification,insight and most of all a warm friendship! He will be missed , but more importantly ,he will be remembered!  Will see you soon,Duane. 
         
                                     Jim Tifft MD 

Duane,
It was a joy knowing you. You were always kind to everyone around you and you will be missed old friend. I am especially glad I got to golf with you a couple of years ago at the VU guys outing. Always a great way to bond with people and you did not let me down. God bless you and your family Duane--love you buddy.
Frank 

Dear Duane,
We will miss you very much.
 I will always remember the good times we had together sitting in our back porch late into the night talking life, sports, politics, anecdotes and jokes until Bobo told us: woof, time to go. 
My family learned so much from your wisdom, we’ve laughed out loud with your sense of humor, and we have admired your strength and positive attitude through the last period of your life. 
We will always remember your smile and your memory will lift our spirits forever. 
Rest In Peace dearest Duane!
Marta, Ken, Andrew and Tomás 

I truly loved Duane Holland from the time I first met him in elementary school and have such fond memories of him. I’ll never forget being in my front yard on Conestoga Rd. as a little girl  and Duane handing me a gift of a little Indian doll dressed in her finery. He was such a loving, caring child and man and will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace dear friend.

Duane was a very special friend to all of us.  He will be remembered and loved by all.  May he Rest In Peace.

     Duane was not only a very close friend of mine at Villanova but the fullback that  I ran behind as a running back. He protected me and blocked oncoming tacklers and we were a great team.
      Duane was also a mentor of mine when I was 19 in  1969 and in my first year of college. He brought his wisdom and experience of being in life to the rest of the freshman on the football team. He was very talented in many sports and I remember him walking across the basketball court on his hands one day.       Because he had been out in the world he took his courses very seriously unlike many of us....he was deadly serious about getting good grades and moving ahead in life.
        He was gentle but strong and his guidance was great. He also knew how to have a good time after practice.  And many times we got him in trouble for coming home late!  
    In his Capricorn way,   He was always proud of his family, his father and mother, brothers and sisters, wife  and at the time his baby girl Daun. I’m sure God has a place for him and heaven and he is resting in peace. 

       

Duane was one of my favorite teammates. He was a tough, fierce competitor. More  importantly , because he was five or six years older than most of us, he had a level of maturity and wisdom that most of us did not have. So for me at times he was a kind of a mentor who often shared some wisdom about life. He taught me that football and how much you could bench press wasn’t really all that important but mental toughness and inner strength was. I wish that as a physician I could have done more to help him.  In the long run Duane knew what was best for him. I recall some scattered lines from Raymond Carver’s poem “What the Doctor Said”.
 “ try not to mourn for me too much
    I want you to know I was happy while I was here
     Be glad for me, I got to press your hand.
    I got to say my farewell to friends and family
    I was lucky. I came out ahead”

 Take care old friend you will be remembered and missed
    Mike Lamb MD

Always kind, considerate and caring, Duane always put others before himself. One of my fondest memories was at the Green Oaks Villanova Golf Outing when Duane stepped up to the tee and hit a 300 yard drive .  
Love you Always,
Zang

Duane was a truly outstanding person and great teammate at Villanova. Always fun loving and full of surprises, he provided a great example to those of us that had the privilege of being his friend. Extremely bright and energetic, he was a true Renaissance man. Saying he will be missed is not enough. Savor his memory. Guys like him don’t come around often.

Very rarely in our lifetimes that we ever meet such a unique individual as Duane ;  considerate, caring, thoughtful, and understanding, gentle , but yet a fierce competitor ; rare qualities for one person to blessed with.  You are missed my friend . Jack Bush

We'll all miss that big smile, but laugh and big personality. You had such a positive impact on everyone you met. All your VU buddies hoist a cold one to your memory in July.
🙏

Dear Duane:

It was such a pleasure to be your friend.  Every time I think about you I see a smile in your face.  You were always in a good mood, kind and a very caring person.    You left us too soon but I know you had a very full live and you also had so many talents that you shared with others  What a wonderful person you were, I am  happy you were my friend.  Rest in peace, Raquel will be well taking care of by her family and friends    I will miss you  ❤️❤️❤️

Duane,
A great friend. One of those people you meet in life and admire. Always friendly and always dependable. 
You helped me along the way and I’ll never forget your maturity and example you showed. 
Drew 

OBITUARY

Duane Lee Holland

28 December, 1947 – 26 October, 2019

Kraeer Funeral Home & Cremation Center

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