Duane H. Cootware, 72, died Saturday in Baystate Medical Center. He was born Dec, 5, 1944, in Burlington, VT, son of the late Harry and Alice (Bushway) Cootware and has lived in West Springfield since 2011. He was predeceased by his three brothers, Robert, Eugene , Donald, and his sister,  Sr. Barbara Cootware.  He worked for the United States Postal Service, retiring as Postmaster after a 42 year career. He was a longtime New York Yankees fan, loved camping and being by the water.  He was especially proud to watch his two grandchildren play hockey. Duane also served two years in the National Guard. He leaves his wife Susan (Bassette) Cootware, daughter Renee Rafuse and her husband Joe of West Springfield and cherished grandchildren Abigail and Hunter. He also leaves his closest cousins, Gloria Yandow, Theresa Stowell and Patricia Irish, and their families.  Services are at the convenience of the family. Curran-Jones Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. For more information please go to curranjones.com.