Duane Roland Anderson, 95, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026 in Cromwell, CT.  Born at home in Naugatuck, CT on March 12, 1931 to the late Fridolf and Anna Anderson, he was educated in the Naugatuck public schools and completed his undergraduate degree at North Park Junior College in Chicago, IL and Tufts College in Boston, MA.  He and his wife, Arlene, met on a blind date in Chicago at a lecture given by theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. They were married in St. Paul, MN in 1955 and shared a strong and enduring bond.  Duane graduated from the Medical School of Tufts College in 1956.  After completing his training at the University of Minnesota,  he  served in the United States Navy as a medical officer in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba from 1960-62 and upon his return practiced Dermatology in Waterbury, CT and then later in Peterborough, NH, retiring in 2000.  Duane served on the local school board in Washington and held various church leadership positions at the Hillside Covenant Church in Naugatuck.  Together, he and Arlene enjoyed peaceful moments exploring the woods and lovingly tending their bountiful vegetable garden, orchard, chickens, and Polled Herefords on their pastoral gentleman’s farm in Washington, CT. A  lifelong interest in farming was inspired while maintaining a victory garden as a boy during WWII.  

 In 2002, Duane and Arlene moved to Covenant Living of Cromwell, CT where he participated wholeheartedly in the community and valued the friendships he made there. Duane’s curiosity was contagious and inspiring. He was an avid reader and participant in discussion groups on theology, spiritual philosophy, and quantum science.  He had a rich contemplative life and loved to ponder the many mysteries of the universe.  Above all, he treasured time spent with his grandsons who brought him immense joy.

Duane was dearly loved and survived by his son Luke and wife Carol, his daughter Susan and husband Peter; four grandsons, Derek and Evan Anderson, Dylan and Dustin Sherry; and five great-grandchildren, Margaux, Parker, Marit, Flora, and Milo.  He was predeceased by his wife Arlene, and sisters, Verna Blackwell and Avis Anderson.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff at The Grove and Pilgrim Manor at Covenant Living of Cromwell, CT and Franciscan Hospice, Meriden, CT for their loving care.  Charitable donations may be made in memory of Duane to Covenant Living of Cromwell Benevolence Fund, 52 Missionary Road, Cromwell, CT 06416. A memorial gathering will be held at Covenant Living of Cromwell at the convenience of the family.