Duane W. Kaley

Duane W. Kaley, age 75 of Deerfield, Ohio, passed away at his home on Monday, October 17, 2022. He was born February 13, 1947, in Ravenna, Ohio, to parents Willard and Evelyn (Earnest) Kaley, and has been a lifelong Deerfield resident.

He graduated from Southeast High School in 1965 and attended Youngstown State University. Mr. Kaley found his passion for serving the people of Portage County in 1973 when he became a Special Deputy for the Portage County Sheriff’s Office under former Sheriff Joe Hegedus.

In 1975 Mr. Kaley became a fulltime deputy with the Portage County Sheriff’s Office. Over the course of 34 years Duane rose through the ranks within the Sheriff’s Office. During the late 1980’s Mr. Kaley, then Chief of Detectives, directed the newly formed Portage County Drug Task Force, which was composed of various city, township, and village police agencies within the county.

In 1992 Duane ran for the office of Portage County Sheriff as an Independent candidate and won. He made history as the only Independent to be elected as Portage County Sheriff. He served four terms, once again making history as the longest serving Sheriff to date in the county. Sheriff Kaley opened the Portage County Justice Center in 1995 and it is still operating. During his time in office, Duane’s focus was serving the public and adoring his employees.

Aside from a career full of highlights in law enforcement, his true love was his family. On November 25, 1978, he married the love of his life Mary and they lived on the Kaley family farm. Duane was the seventh generation to live on the farm. He enjoyed hunting and being outdoors, as well as spending time with his children and grandchildren. Duane attended the Edinburg United Church of Christ, was a member of 1996 Leadership Portage County class, and coached youth baseball.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Robert and Larry. Duane is survived by his wife of 43 years Mary Jane (Daugherty), son Duane Ryan (Renee) and daughter Danielle (Ryan) Zimmerman. He was known as “Grampy” to his 5 grandchildren: Kendyll, Kolin, and Elliana Kaley, and Kaley and Kane Zimmerman, who he absolutely adored. He is also survived by 4 nieces and a nephew.

Friends and family will be received Sunday, October 23, 2022, from 1:00 – 5:00 PM at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna, where funeral services will be officiated by Pastor Tim Paroz on Monday at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Mottown Cemetery in Deerfield.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com. Please consider a donation in memory of Duane to Southeast Local Schools attn: Sheriff Duane W Kaley Memorial Scholarship, 8245 Tallmadge Rd., Ravenna, OH 44266 or Maplewood Career Center attn: Sheriff Duane W Kaley Memorial Scholarship, 7075 OH 88, Ravenna, OH 44266. These scholarships will be available to students pursuing a criminal justice career.