Duane Paul “Dewey” Adams was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, on March 18, 1972, to Paul and Betty Adams. Duane lived his 53 years with a rare mix of grit, generosity, and wit so sharp it could cut steel- but mostly it just made you laugh until your ribs hurt. He passed away on August 8, 2025, surrounded by family and (in spirit) by the countless people whose lives he’d touched.
Duane married his soulmate, Danielle, and together they built a beautiful, bustling life, full of love, sarcasm, and more than a few rescued animals. He was the proud father of Elizabeth, Paul (Hannah), Evan, Emily, and Daisy, and the world’s most devoted “Papa” to Opal. He also leaves behind his mother, Betty; his sister, Drena Romberger of PA; and a wide extended family, coworkers, and friends who became family.
Duane was preceded in death by his father, Paul, and his beloved aunt Elsie, who was like a mother to him.
Since 2009, Duane worked for MJ Electric, most recently serving as construction manager for the Jay Allen project – a massive 100-mile transmission line rebuild from Fort Wayne to Richmond. A journeyman lineman at heart, he was known for finding every person’s “100%” and making sure they knew they mattered. He didn’t just manage crews; he built careers, mentored apprentices, and earned the respect of everyone who worked alongside him. Many started as co-workers and ended up as lifelong friends because of him.
His Quanta commitment coin -awarded after stopping to help a young boy who crashed his dirt bike-is just one example of the countless times he put others first. Off the clock, Duane was just as dedicated to his family, to gardening, to reading, and rescuing any animal that needed saving. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, and any time spent on the water. He was witty, sarcastic (as hell), and endlessly hard-working, stubborn in the best way, and generous to fault.
Duane was the guy who taught you without making you feel dumb, the guy who defended his crew like family, and the guy who could make a long day feel shorter with a perfectly timed wisecrack. The industry, and the world, are both better for having had him in them, and they will feel a little emptier without him. He had the kind of presence that could command a crew, fill a room, or make you laugh, even when you didn’t feel like it.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 16, from 12 to 6 p.m. at Convoy Fox Hunters. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a legacy college account for their children and granddaughter, Opal. To share in Duane’s online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements by Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory.