Obituary of Duane Coots

Duane B. (Duby) Coots Canandaigua, N.Y. Duane B. Coots, 84, passed away September 15, 2010 at the Ontario County Heath Facility. Duane was born in Buffalo, N.Y., the son of the late Durward B. and Evelyn M. Coots. He was a 1944 graduate of Canandaigua Academy; he set many high school strikeout records that year as a pitcher. C.A. started the season with a 24-0 victory over Seneca Falls, Duane pitching no-hit ball and making 10 strike-outs. The legendary Grantland Rice even wrote of his pitching prowess! The Detroit Tigers were greatly interested in him and he tried out with the Bengals at Bison Stadium in Buffalo. He was finally signed by St. Louis Cardinal scout Joe Frisa. After Duane finished his U.S. Navy service in the Pacific Theater in early 1946, he was hustled off to Rochester, every time the Red Wings were home. He credited Red Wing and later St. Louis Cardinal catcher Del Rice, with giving him the best tips on pitching of any person in his life. Duane married Phyllis Caruso on November 27, 1947. He retired from Victor Insulators in 1988, where he was employed as a Time Study & Methods Engineer. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Canandaigua, Merrill Hose Fire Company, the Italian-American Club of Victor and the Canandaigua American Legion Post #256. Duane was also a member and past Master of Canandaigua Lodge No.294 F&AM. Duane was an avid fishermen, golfer, & card player. He loved to tell jokes, sing and dance!! He is survived by his children; Dan Coots (Nancy McDaniel), Appleton, W.I., Cathy Coots of Fairport, Cheryl (Gerry) Bournival, Deborah (Michael) Krossber of Canandaigua, and Jeff (Cyndee) Coots, Fountain Valley, C.A. Duane is also survived by his 16 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, beloved sister Jean Kindelberger of Stanley and 5 sister-in-laws, a brother-in-law and many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Duane was predeceased by his wife; Phyllis, son; T.D. Coots, grandson; Bradley Coots and granddaughter Sheena Marie Krossber. Friends may call Fuller Funeral Home, Inc. 190 Buffalo St. Canandaigua, Monday September 20 from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held Tuesday September 21, in Boughton Hill Cemetery, Victor Holcomb Rd., Victor. The funeral service will be held 2:00 Tuesday afternoon at the First Congregational Church, 58 North Main St. Canandaigua. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the First Congregational Church, 58 N. Main St. Canandaigua or Easter Seals Society, 103 White Spruce Boulevard Rochester, New York 14623.