Duane D. Dearfield

Duane Dennis Dearfield, 69, of Chartiers (formerly of South Park), was born on February 14, 1957, to E. Duane Dearfield and Norma Jean (Whitney) Dearfield.  Duane passed peacefully on July 17, 2026, with his loving wife, Annette (“Nettie”), and beloved daughters, Kristina and Janelle, by his side after a long and courageous battle with Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma.  

Duane was the devoted husband of Annette for 45 wonderful years; loving father of Kristina (Joshua) Stein and Janelle (Tyler) Vallano; the best Pap Pap in the world to Cole and Mia Vallano and Elijah (“Eli”) and Chloe Stein; cherished brother of Karen Dearfield, Diane (Jeffrey) Hitchan, and Timothy (Denise) Dearfield; brother-in-law of Matthew (the late Debbie) Bartek; and beloved uncle and great uncle to many treasured nieces and nephews.

Duane worked as a transit operator for the Port Authority, where he took great pride in keeping his passengers safe. He was previously the owner and operator of Duane Dearfield Trucking. There was nothing Duane couldn’t do—he could fix or build just about anything. He was known for his incredible work ethic, meticulously cared-for yard, and crystal-clear pool.

Family was always Duane’s greatest priority. He loved Friday night high school football, was an avid NASCAR fan, and cherished vacations with his family, especially to Hilton Head, as well as trips to the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, and many destinations along the East Coast. Duane and Nettie especially enjoyed discovering new places together.  They were truly a team in every sense of the word.  Throughout their 45 years together, they made countless sacrifices for one another and found their greatest happiness simply in being together. The day to day moments spent side by side were often the ones they loved the most.

He also loved the holidays, gathering with family and friends, and planning family outings and adventures that brought everyone together. More than anything, he enjoyed the everyday moments spent surrounded by the people he loved, creating memories that his family will treasure forever.

One thing was certain about Duane: he truly loved being a “girl dad.” Kristina and Janelle were his world. From twirling, dance, and cheerleading to every milestone along the way, he was always there, cheering them on and supporting them.  One of his greatest joys was seeing them marry two wonderful men, Josh and Tyler. He was so proud to welcome them into the family, knowing they would love and care for his two girls just as he always had.

Being a Pap Pap was one of the greatest honors Duane ever had and he embraced his role wholeheartedly.  T-Ball games, soccer, dance recitals and every special moment with his grandchildren were a priority for him.  One of the greatest heartbreaks of his illness was missing some of those milestones, but his legacy of love, strength, and unwavering devotion will live on through his family. God blessed us with an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.

Our family will be forever grateful to Dr. Jan Drappatz and the remarkable staff at Hillman Cancer Center and UPMC Shadyside Hospital. Their exceptional care, genuine compassion, and unwavering dedication carried Duane and our family through the most difficult chapter of our lives, bringing comfort, hope, and dignity every step of the way.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm at Pittsburgh Cremation and Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray, PA, 15317. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 10:30am at St. Louise de Marillac Church, 320 McMurray Road, McMurray, PA, 15317. Everyone please meet at the church. Burial will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Hillman Cancer Center and Shadyside Hospital Foundation in honor of Duane and to support continued research and compassionate patient care.