COUDERSPORT, Pa. - Irvin L. Duell, 77, of Coudersport, died Tuesday (Nov. 22, 2016).
Friends may call from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday (Nov. 30, 2016) at First United Presbyterian Church, Coudersport, with funeral services to follow at noon. Attendees are encouraged to wear Pittsburgh Pirates apparel. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Teacher's Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915. Arrangements are entrusted to Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, Pa.
An obituary was published in The Olean Times Herald on Nov. 27, 2016
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Irvin L. DUELL, 77, of Coudersport, PA, died Tuesday, November 22, 2016 in Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport.
Born December 16, 1938, in Galeton, PA, he was the son of Ernest A. and Florence Johnston Duell.
His is a story of perseverance, intertwined with an important lesson about the power of human kindness.
On that count, Irvin was on both the giving and receiving end. Irvin had a difficult childhood, faced with a mental handicap and limited financial means. He lived for a time at the Northern Tier Children's Home in Harrison Valley. He spent much of his early adult life in Pittsburgh, where he worked at a home for orphaned boys. There was a time when Irvin witnessed excessive discipline in the boys' home. These incidents were regularly whitewashed by the administration – until the state inspectors, by chance, chose to strike up a conversation with a smiling orderly.
Irvin related the physical abuse that he had witnessed and led the inspectors to some of the victims who revealed the wounds of the abuse they had been suffering. Within weeks, there was a new supervisory team in place at the home. After his job in Pittsburgh was eliminated, Irvin moved to Coudersport and established a growing circle of friendships. He would get a helping hand here and there, but was largely self-sufficient. Among his most anticipated experiences were his trips to Pittsburgh Pirates baseball games with a friend.
In the winter he emerged from his apartment before 5 am to begin shoveling snow and making his rounds downtown. In warmer weather, he'd wash windows or pull weeds. He'd also eagerly run errands for several friendly downtown merchants and offices. Locals and passers-by would be greeted with a smile and a wave. As a volunteer at the Coudersport Theatre for many years, he calmed unruly kids, cleaned spills and helped patrons find seats. Over the past few years, he became a regular attendee of the First United Presbyterian Church. Irvin Duell was the embodiment of the Golden Rule. Whenever somebody needed a hand – holding open a door, carrying a heavy load or running an errand – he was ready to serve.
During his recent convalescence, a steady stream of well-wishers from all walks of life called on him at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital.
Surviving are: a sister, Alice Hoffman of Coudersport, PA; a brother, Fred Duell of Pittsburgh; nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three sisters, Hazel E. Duell, Dorothy Badmone, and Leona "Toni" Ludwig.
Friends may call at First United Presbyterian Church, Coudersport, PA on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon, with Funeral Services following at 12:00 Noon. Lay speaker Linda Karija will officiate. Attendees are encouraged to wear Pittsburgh Pirates apparel. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Teacher's Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anonymous said...
The girls and I already miss your daily check-ins with us...you had the biggest heart, more faith, and the deepest sense of right vs. wrong of anyone I know. (Despite sneaking out of here with your WHOLE birthday cake instead of sharing it [which will always be one of my fondest memories of you, lol]). May your spirit live on in God's presence & may you also have an unending supply of Pirates games, hot cups of coffee, and nice big slices of banana cake!! Most of January 30, 2011are of you like you took care of all of us. Fly high with angels my friend.
--from solomonswords.blogspot.com
Monday, November 28, 2016 at 9:19:00 AM EST
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Surprise 75th Birthday Party for Irvin Duell at Olga's!
Hosted by Olga Gallery, Cafe, & Bistro
Monday, December 16, 2013 at 6 PM
If you see Irv on Monday, December 16 wish him a happy 75th birthday & we'd love have you join us at Olga Gallery, Cafe, & Bistro to celebrate this special occasion at 6 PM that evening. Light hors d'oeuvres, coffee, & soft drinks will be served.
Potter County has been a better place for three quarters of a century because of our dear friend Irv. Hope you can join us to celebrate Irv's 75th Birthday!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Irvin Duell, Meet the Man Behind the Smile
The Endeavor News covers our first ever 'Person of the Month', Irvin Duell.
Congratulations Irv!
A friend to all -- January 30, 2011
A familiar face is always easy to find on the streets of Coudersport. At just about any time of the day or night, you can happen upon what is, arguably, Coudersport's most recognizable person.
That face is worn by a man who will always greet you with a wide smile and a wave.
He is what everyone ought to be — a friend to all.
For the few of our readers who don't know him, allow us to introduce you to Irvin Duell.
His is a story of perseverance, intertwined with an important lesson about the power of human kindness. On that count, Duell, 72, has long been on both the giving and receiving end.
In recent days, he has emerged from his South Main Street apartment at 4 am or so to begin shoveling snow and making his rounds downtown. In warmer weather, he'll wash windows or pull weeds. He's also eager to run errands for several friendly downtown merchants and offices. Tips are optional.
Irvin also has a job, of sorts, at the Coudersport Theatre. He calms down unruly kids, cleans up spills and helps patrons find seats – all in return for free admission and a free ticket to the concession stand.
Duell had a difficult childhood, faced with a mental handicap and abject poverty. He spent much of his life in Pittsburgh, where he worked at a home for orphaned boys.
Whenever there's a public event in downtown Coudersport, it's pretty much a given that Irvin Duell will be there. He was on hand to welcome Tom Corbett to town last fall when the then-attorney general was campaining for governor, a race he later won. At left, Irv poses in front of Pittsburgh's PNC Park during his annual trip to see a Pirates games last summer. The trip is part of a tradition started by Joe Heimel and now carried on by his son, Paul. It is far and away the day that Irvin looks forward to more than any other throughout the year.
There was a time when Irvin witnessed excessive discipline in the boys' home. These incidents were regularly whitewashed by the administration – until the state inspectors, by chance, chose to strike up a conversation with the smiling orderly, Irvin Duell.
Irvin related the physical abuse that he had witnessed and, when the home's superintendent denied the accusations and attempted to discredit him, Duell instructed two of the victims to raise their shirts, revealing the wounds.
Within weeks, there was a new supervisory team in place at the home.
Irvin frequently visited relatives in Coudersport, particularly his sister Alice (Duell) Hoffman and a brother, Fred Duell. Once his job in Pittsburgh was eliminated, Irvin moved to Coudersport and immediately established his independence, as well as a growing circle of friendships.
He gets a helping hand here and there, but is largely selfsufficient when it comes to shopping, cooking, and tending to his personal affairs. Several townspeople look out for him at the Northwest Savings Bank, Hauber's Jewelers, Gauld's Corner Store, Olga's Cafe and some of his other downtown hangouts.
About a decade ago, downtown merchant Joe Heimel invited Irvin to join a local group of men crowding into a passenger van to attend a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game. So began an annual tradition. Upon Heimel's death in 2004, his son Paul took over. Irvin looks to that annual trip to PNC Park as the highlight of his year.
Irvin Duell is the embodiment of the Golden Rule.
Whenever somebody needs a hand – holding open a door, carrying a heavy load or running an errand – he is ready to serve.
And, when Duell needs a ride to the doctor or a couple of dollars for groceries, friends such as Coudersport Theatre manager David Snyder are there for him.
"People are nice," Irvin told Endeavor News. "Some people say how bad our kids are and how mean everybody is, but I don't have any trouble."
You'll see him downtown these days in his Pittsburgh Steelers coat, snow shovel in hand and his famous wave and wide smile.
You can't help but wonder what Coudersport would be without him.
Friends may call from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday (Nov. 30, 2016) at First United Presbyterian Church, Coudersport, with funeral services to follow at noon. Attendees are encouraged to wear Pittsburgh Pirates apparel. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Teacher's Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915. Arrangements are entrusted to Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, Pa.
An obituary was published in The Olean Times Herald on Nov. 27, 2016
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Irvin L. DUELL, 77, of Coudersport, PA, died Tuesday, November 22, 2016 in Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport.
Born December 16, 1938, in Galeton, PA, he was the son of Ernest A. and Florence Johnston Duell.
His is a story of perseverance, intertwined with an important lesson about the power of human kindness.
On that count, Irvin was on both the giving and receiving end. Irvin had a difficult childhood, faced with a mental handicap and limited financial means. He lived for a time at the Northern Tier Children's Home in Harrison Valley. He spent much of his early adult life in Pittsburgh, where he worked at a home for orphaned boys. There was a time when Irvin witnessed excessive discipline in the boys' home. These incidents were regularly whitewashed by the administration – until the state inspectors, by chance, chose to strike up a conversation with a smiling orderly.
Irvin related the physical abuse that he had witnessed and led the inspectors to some of the victims who revealed the wounds of the abuse they had been suffering. Within weeks, there was a new supervisory team in place at the home. After his job in Pittsburgh was eliminated, Irvin moved to Coudersport and established a growing circle of friendships. He would get a helping hand here and there, but was largely self-sufficient. Among his most anticipated experiences were his trips to Pittsburgh Pirates baseball games with a friend.
In the winter he emerged from his apartment before 5 am to begin shoveling snow and making his rounds downtown. In warmer weather, he'd wash windows or pull weeds. He'd also eagerly run errands for several friendly downtown merchants and offices. Locals and passers-by would be greeted with a smile and a wave. As a volunteer at the Coudersport Theatre for many years, he calmed unruly kids, cleaned spills and helped patrons find seats. Over the past few years, he became a regular attendee of the First United Presbyterian Church. Irvin Duell was the embodiment of the Golden Rule. Whenever somebody needed a hand – holding open a door, carrying a heavy load or running an errand – he was ready to serve.
During his recent convalescence, a steady stream of well-wishers from all walks of life called on him at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital.
Surviving are: a sister, Alice Hoffman of Coudersport, PA; a brother, Fred Duell of Pittsburgh; nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three sisters, Hazel E. Duell, Dorothy Badmone, and Leona "Toni" Ludwig.
Friends may call at First United Presbyterian Church, Coudersport, PA on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon, with Funeral Services following at 12:00 Noon. Lay speaker Linda Karija will officiate. Attendees are encouraged to wear Pittsburgh Pirates apparel. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Teacher's Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anonymous said...
The girls and I already miss your daily check-ins with us...you had the biggest heart, more faith, and the deepest sense of right vs. wrong of anyone I know. (Despite sneaking out of here with your WHOLE birthday cake instead of sharing it [which will always be one of my fondest memories of you, lol]). May your spirit live on in God's presence & may you also have an unending supply of Pirates games, hot cups of coffee, and nice big slices of banana cake!! Most of January 30, 2011are of you like you took care of all of us. Fly high with angels my friend.
--from solomonswords.blogspot.com
Monday, November 28, 2016 at 9:19:00 AM EST
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Surprise 75th Birthday Party for Irvin Duell at Olga's!
Hosted by Olga Gallery, Cafe, & Bistro
Monday, December 16, 2013 at 6 PM
If you see Irv on Monday, December 16 wish him a happy 75th birthday & we'd love have you join us at Olga Gallery, Cafe, & Bistro to celebrate this special occasion at 6 PM that evening. Light hors d'oeuvres, coffee, & soft drinks will be served.
Potter County has been a better place for three quarters of a century because of our dear friend Irv. Hope you can join us to celebrate Irv's 75th Birthday!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Irvin Duell, Meet the Man Behind the Smile
The Endeavor News covers our first ever 'Person of the Month', Irvin Duell.
Congratulations Irv!
A friend to all -- January 30, 2011
A familiar face is always easy to find on the streets of Coudersport. At just about any time of the day or night, you can happen upon what is, arguably, Coudersport's most recognizable person.
That face is worn by a man who will always greet you with a wide smile and a wave.
He is what everyone ought to be — a friend to all.
For the few of our readers who don't know him, allow us to introduce you to Irvin Duell.
His is a story of perseverance, intertwined with an important lesson about the power of human kindness. On that count, Duell, 72, has long been on both the giving and receiving end.
In recent days, he has emerged from his South Main Street apartment at 4 am or so to begin shoveling snow and making his rounds downtown. In warmer weather, he'll wash windows or pull weeds. He's also eager to run errands for several friendly downtown merchants and offices. Tips are optional.
Irvin also has a job, of sorts, at the Coudersport Theatre. He calms down unruly kids, cleans up spills and helps patrons find seats – all in return for free admission and a free ticket to the concession stand.
Duell had a difficult childhood, faced with a mental handicap and abject poverty. He spent much of his life in Pittsburgh, where he worked at a home for orphaned boys.
Whenever there's a public event in downtown Coudersport, it's pretty much a given that Irvin Duell will be there. He was on hand to welcome Tom Corbett to town last fall when the then-attorney general was campaining for governor, a race he later won. At left, Irv poses in front of Pittsburgh's PNC Park during his annual trip to see a Pirates games last summer. The trip is part of a tradition started by Joe Heimel and now carried on by his son, Paul. It is far and away the day that Irvin looks forward to more than any other throughout the year.
There was a time when Irvin witnessed excessive discipline in the boys' home. These incidents were regularly whitewashed by the administration – until the state inspectors, by chance, chose to strike up a conversation with the smiling orderly, Irvin Duell.
Irvin related the physical abuse that he had witnessed and, when the home's superintendent denied the accusations and attempted to discredit him, Duell instructed two of the victims to raise their shirts, revealing the wounds.
Within weeks, there was a new supervisory team in place at the home.
Irvin frequently visited relatives in Coudersport, particularly his sister Alice (Duell) Hoffman and a brother, Fred Duell. Once his job in Pittsburgh was eliminated, Irvin moved to Coudersport and immediately established his independence, as well as a growing circle of friendships.
He gets a helping hand here and there, but is largely selfsufficient when it comes to shopping, cooking, and tending to his personal affairs. Several townspeople look out for him at the Northwest Savings Bank, Hauber's Jewelers, Gauld's Corner Store, Olga's Cafe and some of his other downtown hangouts.
About a decade ago, downtown merchant Joe Heimel invited Irvin to join a local group of men crowding into a passenger van to attend a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game. So began an annual tradition. Upon Heimel's death in 2004, his son Paul took over. Irvin looks to that annual trip to PNC Park as the highlight of his year.
Irvin Duell is the embodiment of the Golden Rule.
Whenever somebody needs a hand – holding open a door, carrying a heavy load or running an errand – he is ready to serve.
And, when Duell needs a ride to the doctor or a couple of dollars for groceries, friends such as Coudersport Theatre manager David Snyder are there for him.
"People are nice," Irvin told Endeavor News. "Some people say how bad our kids are and how mean everybody is, but I don't have any trouble."
You'll see him downtown these days in his Pittsburgh Steelers coat, snow shovel in hand and his famous wave and wide smile.
You can't help but wonder what Coudersport would be without him.
COUDERSPORT, Pa. - Irvin L. Duell, 77, of Coudersport, died Tuesday (Nov. 22, 2016).
Friends may call from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday (Nov. 30, 2016) at First United Presbyterian Church, Coudersport, with funeral services to follow at noon. Attendees are encouraged to wear Pittsburgh Pirates apparel. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Teacher's Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915. Arrangements are entrusted to Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, Pa.
An obituary was published in The Olean Times Herald on Nov. 27, 2016
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Irvin L. DUELL, 77, of Coudersport, PA, died Tuesday, November 22, 2016 in Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport.
Born December 16, 1938, in Galeton, PA, he was the son of Ernest A. and Florence Johnston Duell.
His is a story of perseverance, intertwined with an important lesson about the power of human kindness.
On that count, Irvin was on both the giving and receiving end. Irvin had a difficult childhood, faced with a mental handicap and limited financial means. He lived for a time at the Northern Tier Children's Home in Harrison Valley. He spent much of his early adult life in Pittsburgh, where he worked at a home for orphaned boys. There was a time when Irvin witnessed excessive discipline in the boys' home. These incidents were regularly whitewashed by the administration – until the state inspectors, by chance, chose to strike up a conversation with a smiling orderly.
Irvin related the physical abuse that he had witnessed and led the inspectors to some of the victims who revealed the wounds of the abuse they had been suffering. Within weeks, there was a new supervisory team in place at the home. After his job in Pittsburgh was eliminated, Irvin moved to Coudersport and established a growing circle of friendships. He would get a helping hand here and there, but was largely self-sufficient. Among his most anticipated experiences were his trips to Pittsburgh Pirates baseball games with a friend.
In the winter he emerged from his apartment before 5 am to begin shoveling snow and making his rounds downtown. In warmer weather, he'd wash windows or pull weeds. He'd also eagerly run errands for several friendly downtown merchants and offices. Locals and passers-by would be greeted with a smile and a wave. As a volunteer at the Coudersport Theatre for many years, he calmed unruly kids, cleaned spills and helped patrons find seats. Over the past few years, he became a regular attendee of the First United Presbyterian Church. Irvin Duell was the embodiment of the Golden Rule. Whenever somebody needed a hand – holding open a door, carrying a heavy load or running an errand – he was ready to serve.
During his recent convalescence, a steady stream of well-wishers from all walks of life called on him at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital.
Surviving are: a sister, Alice Hoffman of Coudersport, PA; a brother, Fred Duell of Pittsburgh; nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three sisters, Hazel E. Duell, Dorothy Badmone, and Leona "Toni" Ludwig.
Friends may call at First United Presbyterian Church, Coudersport, PA on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon, with Funeral Services following at 12:00 Noon. Lay speaker Linda Karija will officiate. Attendees are encouraged to wear Pittsburgh Pirates apparel. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Teacher's Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anonymous said...
The girls and I already miss your daily check-ins with us...you had the biggest heart, more faith, and the deepest sense of right vs. wrong of anyone I know. (Despite sneaking out of here with your WHOLE birthday cake instead of sharing it [which will always be one of my fondest memories of you, lol]). May your spirit live on in God's presence & may you also have an unending supply of Pirates games, hot cups of coffee, and nice big slices of banana cake!! Most of January 30, 2011are of you like you took care of all of us. Fly high with angels my friend.
--from solomonswords.blogspot.com
Monday, November 28, 2016 at 9:19:00 AM EST
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Surprise 75th Birthday Party for Irvin Duell at Olga's!
Hosted by Olga Gallery, Cafe, & Bistro
Monday, December 16, 2013 at 6 PM
If you see Irv on Monday, December 16 wish him a happy 75th birthday & we'd love have you join us at Olga Gallery, Cafe, & Bistro to celebrate this special occasion at 6 PM that evening. Light hors d'oeuvres, coffee, & soft drinks will be served.
Potter County has been a better place for three quarters of a century because of our dear friend Irv. Hope you can join us to celebrate Irv's 75th Birthday!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Irvin Duell, Meet the Man Behind the Smile
The Endeavor News covers our first ever 'Person of the Month', Irvin Duell.
Congratulations Irv!
A friend to all -- January 30, 2011
A familiar face is always easy to find on the streets of Coudersport. At just about any time of the day or night, you can happen upon what is, arguably, Coudersport's most recognizable person.
That face is worn by a man who will always greet you with a wide smile and a wave.
He is what everyone ought to be — a friend to all.
For the few of our readers who don't know him, allow us to introduce you to Irvin Duell.
His is a story of perseverance, intertwined with an important lesson about the power of human kindness. On that count, Duell, 72, has long been on both the giving and receiving end.
In recent days, he has emerged from his South Main Street apartment at 4 am or so to begin shoveling snow and making his rounds downtown. In warmer weather, he'll wash windows or pull weeds. He's also eager to run errands for several friendly downtown merchants and offices. Tips are optional.
Irvin also has a job, of sorts, at the Coudersport Theatre. He calms down unruly kids, cleans up spills and helps patrons find seats – all in return for free admission and a free ticket to the concession stand.
Duell had a difficult childhood, faced with a mental handicap and abject poverty. He spent much of his life in Pittsburgh, where he worked at a home for orphaned boys.
Whenever there's a public event in downtown Coudersport, it's pretty much a given that Irvin Duell will be there. He was on hand to welcome Tom Corbett to town last fall when the then-attorney general was campaining for governor, a race he later won. At left, Irv poses in front of Pittsburgh's PNC Park during his annual trip to see a Pirates games last summer. The trip is part of a tradition started by Joe Heimel and now carried on by his son, Paul. It is far and away the day that Irvin looks forward to more than any other throughout the year.
There was a time when Irvin witnessed excessive discipline in the boys' home. These incidents were regularly whitewashed by the administration – until the state inspectors, by chance, chose to strike up a conversation with the smiling orderly, Irvin Duell.
Irvin related the physical abuse that he had witnessed and, when the home's superintendent denied the accusations and attempted to discredit him, Duell instructed two of the victims to raise their shirts, revealing the wounds.
Within weeks, there was a new supervisory team in place at the home.
Irvin frequently visited relatives in Coudersport, particularly his sister Alice (Duell) Hoffman and a brother, Fred Duell. Once his job in Pittsburgh was eliminated, Irvin moved to Coudersport and immediately established his independence, as well as a growing circle of friendships.
He gets a helping hand here and there, but is largely selfsufficient when it comes to shopping, cooking, and tending to his personal affairs. Several townspeople look out for him at the Northwest Savings Bank, Hauber's Jewelers, Gauld's Corner Store, Olga's Cafe and some of his other downtown hangouts.
About a decade ago, downtown merchant Joe Heimel invited Irvin to join a local group of men crowding into a passenger van to attend a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game. So began an annual tradition. Upon Heimel's death in 2004, his son Paul took over. Irvin looks to that annual trip to PNC Park as the highlight of his year.
Irvin Duell is the embodiment of the Golden Rule.
Whenever somebody needs a hand – holding open a door, carrying a heavy load or running an errand – he is ready to serve.
And, when Duell needs a ride to the doctor or a couple of dollars for groceries, friends such as Coudersport Theatre manager David Snyder are there for him.
"People are nice," Irvin told Endeavor News. "Some people say how bad our kids are and how mean everybody is, but I don't have any trouble."
You'll see him downtown these days in his Pittsburgh Steelers coat, snow shovel in hand and his famous wave and wide smile.
You can't help but wonder what Coudersport would be without him.
Friends may call from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday (Nov. 30, 2016) at First United Presbyterian Church, Coudersport, with funeral services to follow at noon. Attendees are encouraged to wear Pittsburgh Pirates apparel. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Teacher's Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915. Arrangements are entrusted to Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, Pa.
An obituary was published in The Olean Times Herald on Nov. 27, 2016
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Irvin L. DUELL, 77, of Coudersport, PA, died Tuesday, November 22, 2016 in Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport.
Born December 16, 1938, in Galeton, PA, he was the son of Ernest A. and Florence Johnston Duell.
His is a story of perseverance, intertwined with an important lesson about the power of human kindness.
On that count, Irvin was on both the giving and receiving end. Irvin had a difficult childhood, faced with a mental handicap and limited financial means. He lived for a time at the Northern Tier Children's Home in Harrison Valley. He spent much of his early adult life in Pittsburgh, where he worked at a home for orphaned boys. There was a time when Irvin witnessed excessive discipline in the boys' home. These incidents were regularly whitewashed by the administration – until the state inspectors, by chance, chose to strike up a conversation with a smiling orderly.
Irvin related the physical abuse that he had witnessed and led the inspectors to some of the victims who revealed the wounds of the abuse they had been suffering. Within weeks, there was a new supervisory team in place at the home. After his job in Pittsburgh was eliminated, Irvin moved to Coudersport and established a growing circle of friendships. He would get a helping hand here and there, but was largely self-sufficient. Among his most anticipated experiences were his trips to Pittsburgh Pirates baseball games with a friend.
In the winter he emerged from his apartment before 5 am to begin shoveling snow and making his rounds downtown. In warmer weather, he'd wash windows or pull weeds. He'd also eagerly run errands for several friendly downtown merchants and offices. Locals and passers-by would be greeted with a smile and a wave. As a volunteer at the Coudersport Theatre for many years, he calmed unruly kids, cleaned spills and helped patrons find seats. Over the past few years, he became a regular attendee of the First United Presbyterian Church. Irvin Duell was the embodiment of the Golden Rule. Whenever somebody needed a hand – holding open a door, carrying a heavy load or running an errand – he was ready to serve.
During his recent convalescence, a steady stream of well-wishers from all walks of life called on him at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital.
Surviving are: a sister, Alice Hoffman of Coudersport, PA; a brother, Fred Duell of Pittsburgh; nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three sisters, Hazel E. Duell, Dorothy Badmone, and Leona "Toni" Ludwig.
Friends may call at First United Presbyterian Church, Coudersport, PA on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon, with Funeral Services following at 12:00 Noon. Lay speaker Linda Karija will officiate. Attendees are encouraged to wear Pittsburgh Pirates apparel. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Teacher's Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anonymous said...
The girls and I already miss your daily check-ins with us...you had the biggest heart, more faith, and the deepest sense of right vs. wrong of anyone I know. (Despite sneaking out of here with your WHOLE birthday cake instead of sharing it [which will always be one of my fondest memories of you, lol]). May your spirit live on in God's presence & may you also have an unending supply of Pirates games, hot cups of coffee, and nice big slices of banana cake!! Most of January 30, 2011are of you like you took care of all of us. Fly high with angels my friend.
--from solomonswords.blogspot.com
Monday, November 28, 2016 at 9:19:00 AM EST
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Surprise 75th Birthday Party for Irvin Duell at Olga's!
Hosted by Olga Gallery, Cafe, & Bistro
Monday, December 16, 2013 at 6 PM
If you see Irv on Monday, December 16 wish him a happy 75th birthday & we'd love have you join us at Olga Gallery, Cafe, & Bistro to celebrate this special occasion at 6 PM that evening. Light hors d'oeuvres, coffee, & soft drinks will be served.
Potter County has been a better place for three quarters of a century because of our dear friend Irv. Hope you can join us to celebrate Irv's 75th Birthday!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Irvin Duell, Meet the Man Behind the Smile
The Endeavor News covers our first ever 'Person of the Month', Irvin Duell.
Congratulations Irv!
A friend to all -- January 30, 2011
A familiar face is always easy to find on the streets of Coudersport. At just about any time of the day or night, you can happen upon what is, arguably, Coudersport's most recognizable person.
That face is worn by a man who will always greet you with a wide smile and a wave.
He is what everyone ought to be — a friend to all.
For the few of our readers who don't know him, allow us to introduce you to Irvin Duell.
His is a story of perseverance, intertwined with an important lesson about the power of human kindness. On that count, Duell, 72, has long been on both the giving and receiving end.
In recent days, he has emerged from his South Main Street apartment at 4 am or so to begin shoveling snow and making his rounds downtown. In warmer weather, he'll wash windows or pull weeds. He's also eager to run errands for several friendly downtown merchants and offices. Tips are optional.
Irvin also has a job, of sorts, at the Coudersport Theatre. He calms down unruly kids, cleans up spills and helps patrons find seats – all in return for free admission and a free ticket to the concession stand.
Duell had a difficult childhood, faced with a mental handicap and abject poverty. He spent much of his life in Pittsburgh, where he worked at a home for orphaned boys.
Whenever there's a public event in downtown Coudersport, it's pretty much a given that Irvin Duell will be there. He was on hand to welcome Tom Corbett to town last fall when the then-attorney general was campaining for governor, a race he later won. At left, Irv poses in front of Pittsburgh's PNC Park during his annual trip to see a Pirates games last summer. The trip is part of a tradition started by Joe Heimel and now carried on by his son, Paul. It is far and away the day that Irvin looks forward to more than any other throughout the year.
There was a time when Irvin witnessed excessive discipline in the boys' home. These incidents were regularly whitewashed by the administration – until the state inspectors, by chance, chose to strike up a conversation with the smiling orderly, Irvin Duell.
Irvin related the physical abuse that he had witnessed and, when the home's superintendent denied the accusations and attempted to discredit him, Duell instructed two of the victims to raise their shirts, revealing the wounds.
Within weeks, there was a new supervisory team in place at the home.
Irvin frequently visited relatives in Coudersport, particularly his sister Alice (Duell) Hoffman and a brother, Fred Duell. Once his job in Pittsburgh was eliminated, Irvin moved to Coudersport and immediately established his independence, as well as a growing circle of friendships.
He gets a helping hand here and there, but is largely selfsufficient when it comes to shopping, cooking, and tending to his personal affairs. Several townspeople look out for him at the Northwest Savings Bank, Hauber's Jewelers, Gauld's Corner Store, Olga's Cafe and some of his other downtown hangouts.
About a decade ago, downtown merchant Joe Heimel invited Irvin to join a local group of men crowding into a passenger van to attend a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game. So began an annual tradition. Upon Heimel's death in 2004, his son Paul took over. Irvin looks to that annual trip to PNC Park as the highlight of his year.
Irvin Duell is the embodiment of the Golden Rule.
Whenever somebody needs a hand – holding open a door, carrying a heavy load or running an errand – he is ready to serve.
And, when Duell needs a ride to the doctor or a couple of dollars for groceries, friends such as Coudersport Theatre manager David Snyder are there for him.
"People are nice," Irvin told Endeavor News. "Some people say how bad our kids are and how mean everybody is, but I don't have any trouble."
You'll see him downtown these days in his Pittsburgh Steelers coat, snow shovel in hand and his famous wave and wide smile.
You can't help but wonder what Coudersport would be without him.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
