Duane "Buzz" Albery

Duane Francis Albery passed away peacefully on September 20th, 2025 surrounded by loved ones at his daughter's home in Montgomery, Illinois. Born on October 8th, 1949, in Evanston, Illinois, Duane was a man of great character and warmth, whose selflessness and optimism touched those around him. Affectionately known by his family and friends as "Buzz", he grew up in a close-knit family and attended Downers Grove North High School from 1963 to 1967. Later in life, he earned his Associate's Degree of Applied Sciences at Waubonsee Community College in Aurora, IL.

Buzz was an entrepreneur at heart from an early age. He sold ice cream from a bicycle push cart in his neighborhood and established his own railroad photo business from home. As an adult, his professional life journey included significant contributions to numerous companies including Corn Products International, Roblin Photography Studios, The Burlington Northern Railroad, Power Packaging Inc., finally completing his professional career after joining BRK Electronics, which later became First Alert.

Buzz had many eclectic interests and hobbies, of which he was deeply passionate. Beginning at a young age and throughout his life, he was an avid photographer, using a keen eye to capture numerous images of trains and family members during the years of personal moments. He won numerous awards as a swimmer with his local YMCA and enjoyed being in the water all his life. Antique hunting and exploring flea markets were among his favorite activities, often in search of railroad collectibles that spoke to his love of history and the bygone era of steam engines. As a history buff, he could often be found immersed in books and documentaries, eager to share his knowledge and learn more. Buzz grew his antiquing and collectible interests into an entrepreneurship, reestablishing Buzz's Railroad Photographs, a small business in which to sell his vast library of railroad photographs and collectibles, and would often take part in the Kane County Flea Market. Slowing down later in life, Buzz moved away from the vendor's life and began volunteering at Tails Humane Society in DeKalb, IL where he helped socialize cats awaiting adoption, always with an apron full of treats.

Buzz is survived by his loving family, including his daughter, Alyssa (Travis) DeSpain, and granddaughter, Hannah DeSpain; his son, Matthew Albery, and grandchildren, Logan and Kyra Albery; and his son, Steven (Jennifer) Albery, and grandchildren, Graham and Violet Albery. He also leaves behind his sisters, Diana (Bruce) Mason and Renee (Dan) Jordan, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Duane H. and Edyth I. Albery, and the mother of his children, Milanie (D'Aquila) Albery.

As we bid farewell to Duane "Buzz" Albery, we celebrate a life well-lived. Family was the cornerstone of Buzz's life and he cherished every moment spent with them. Buzz's passing will leave a void in the lives of those who knew him, but his gentle legacy of love, endurance, and acceptance will not soon be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Tails Humane Society in Dekalb, IL in Duane's honor.