Sinclair & Standish --- Duane T. Yankowsky, 55, peacefully passed away April 25, 2024, at Aroostook House of Comfort, Presque Isle, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Portland on November 10, 1968, a son of Stanley Yankowsky and the late Linda (Ettenger) Yankowsky Ringuette.

After graduating from Wisdom High School, St. Agatha, Class of 1987, Duane enlisted with the US Army. He served as a military police officer in Panama during operation "Just Cause" and assisted his division in capturing and holding Gen. Noriega and earned his honorable discharge in 1990. Upon his return stateside, he worked several years for area farms and Ouellette Construction. Duane also worked several years with Fraser Paper before starting his own flooring company, Sunrise Flooring, in Standish. He received an honorable accolade from Home Depot and Lowes as "Flooring Installer of the Year - New England." He was a true craftsman. He was a skilled guitar player and loved to entertain his family and friends late into the evening. Duane was an avid collector of comic books and many action figures, and he was also a skilled poetry and songwriter.

He is survived by two children, Nathan Yankowsky and his wife Bailey of Nova Scotia, and Emily Yankowsky of Madawaska; his father Stanley and his wife Julie Yankowsky of Westbrook; five siblings, David Yankowsky and his wife Shelly, Tammy Morin and her husband Dale, Tommy Ringuette, Rachael Black and her longtime companion Rick, and Dean Yankowsky; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides his mother, Duane was predeceased by a daughter, infant Samantha Yankowsky, and nephews Adam and Sean Yankowsky.

The Yankowsky family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the many doctors, nurses and caregivers that assisted Duane through some of his most difficult days at Maine Medical Center Oncology, Portland, and during his final days at Aroostook House of Comfort, Presque Isle.

A Celebration of Life was held privately and at the convenience of Duane's family. In lieu of flowers, please share a good deed with someone in need in honor of Duane. To share condolences online, please visit www.LajoieFuneralHome.com