Duane Overby
Duane Joseph Overby, 88, of San Jose, California, passed away February 29, 2024.
Born on May 14, 1935, in Staples, Duane’s early years were marked by instability and poverty. Leaning on the love and companionship of his only sibling, Monessa and his Catholic faith, Duane would endure and thrive in adulthood.
Duane proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1958, during which he participated in Operation Argus, a nuclear missile test secretly conducted over the South Atlantic Ocean. Following his military service, he pursued a successful career as a technical trainer with Lockheed Missiles & Space and as an instructor and department chair at San Jose City, West Valley and Mission colleges. Never one to be idle, Duane also bought, fixed up, rented and sold several homes in Northern California.
Duane loved to build and fix things and was even known to oil a squeaky door during a visit. But Duane’s greatest joy was his family. Of his progeny he often remarked, “There isn’t a dud in the bunch!” From the podium at family gatherings, he shared his rich oral history and his gratitude for a miraculous life. Duane carried the suffering of others as his own. He volunteered at the food pantry and advocated for policy that would help the underserved. Duane was a member of St. Julie Billiarts Parish in San Jose, where his services will be held on March 16, 2024, at 10 a.m.
Duane leaves a legacy of full hearts, brighter minds, big grins and a wealth of sweet and colorful memories. He is survived by the love of his life and wife, Marjorie Habenicht; one sister, Monessa Overby, OSF; nine children, Duane Joseph Overby, Jr., Ramona Patterson, Blair Overby, Bruce Overby, Jacqueline Dias, Cynthia Overby, Carol Stanley, Eric Overby and Matthew Overby along with their spouses and significant others; 22 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
Duane is preceded in death by his parents, Marie Frances Fellman and Joseph Melvin Overby,; first wife and mother of his nine children, Ruth Lillian Jackson Overby.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Casa de Clara House in San Jose at 318 N. 6th St. San Jose, CA. Dewey will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
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