Duane Lee Varney, 77, of Windham, Maine, passed away peacefully of natural causes on May 1, 2026, just one day after his seventy-seventh birthday. Born on April 30, 1949, in Portland, Maine, to the late Norman Varney and Anna Pelletier, Duane grew up in the greater Portland area and graduated from Westbrook High School in 1967. He went on to attend SMVTI, where he studied automotive technology, nurturing a passion for cars and mechanics that would define much of his life. Duane married his high school sweetheart, Sari, before enlisting in the service in 1970, beginning a partnership that would endure for more than five decades. Above all else, Duane was a loving and caring family man. He devoted himself wholeheartedly to his wife, his children, and the growing family that brought him so much pride and joy over the years. Those who knew him understood that family was the center of his world.

When he was not surrounded by loved ones, Duane could often be found pursuing his lifelong passions. He had a deep love of cars and drag racing, interests rooted in his early training and never diminished by the passing of time. He also enjoyed the quiet challenge of working puzzles, a pastime that reflected his patient and thoughtful nature.

Duane is survived by his beloved wife, Sari Varney of Windham, his daughters, Jodi Coleman

and Spouse Scott Coleman and Keri Brown and Spouse Adam Barrows; his son, Nathan Varney and his spouse Maryea Curtis; his brother, Michael Pelletier; his sister, Michele Vaughn; his grandchildren, Jessica Bible, Julia Tolliver, Cameron Brown, Carly Brown, Ellyana Varney, Alannah Coleman, Mercedes Blanchette, and Alaina Barrows; and his great-grandchildren, Delilah Arthur, Jade Bible, Odin Meggison, and Ivar Meggison. In addition to his parents, Duane was preceded in death by his sisters, Edna "Nina" Stein and Karen Dewitt.

No services are planned at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor the memory of a man who lived with devotion, warmth, and quiet strength. Details will be shared with family and friends as arrangements are made.