William B. McSkimmon Duane

William B. McSkimmon Duane, age 92 born in Boston and longtime resident of Wellesley and Nantucket died February 18th in hospice care. Loving father of Peter, Susan and David Duane, devoted husband of Carolyn Bittner and a direct descendant of James Duane the first mayor of New York after the revolution and member of the Continental Congress. Known as Bill, he grew up in Brookline and Wellesley. He attended Kimball Union Academy and the Citadel before joining the air force. He flew 36 missions over Europe as a 1st Lieutenant in the 8th air force. After the war he returned home to Wellesley where he met the love of his life Carolyn Bittner and soon after graduated from Wesleyan University in Connecticut. He had a successful career as an insurance broker specializing in life, group and pensions. Bill was a was a talented photographer, a captivating storyteller, a great believer in exercise enjoying: sailing, running, hiking, biking, racket sports and golf and skied Tuckerman's Ravine back in the day of lace-up boots and long skis. He performed his own workout routine every morning right up until the end. Bill cherished worldly travels with Carolyn and spending summers at his home on Nantucket where he had been vacationing with his family since the 1960's. He was the founder of the Cisco Civic Association. He was a true gentleman possessing great charm, integrity, creativity and a wonderful sense of humor. He was generous with a number of charities and was an active member of his churches, the Wellesley Village Church and the First Congregational Church in Nantucket. He was predeceased by his wife Carolyn of 64 years and his brother Jack of Delray Beach Fl. and is survived by his children: Peter Duane, his wife Lorna and granddaughter Alexandra of Waltham, his daughter Susan of Wellesley and his son David and wife Betsy of Natick, his sister Connie Donahue of Phoenix AZ., his sister Molly Leland of Chestnut Hill and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Home for Little Wanderers, an organization he had been donating to since he was a child. A celebration of his life will be scheduled at a later date.