Dean Ronald Duffey

Dean Ronald Duffey, age 88, of Monroe, Michigan, went to be with Jesus on January 6, 2026. He passed away peacefully with his wife by his side. He was born on February 18, 1937, in Monroe, Michigan. Dean was a man deeply confident in his faith in God, and his steady trust in the Lord guided his life, his love for others, and the way he faced his final days. Dean was the beloved husband of Patsy Louise Duffey (Petree). Together they shared more than 40 years of a happy and loving marriage filled with companionship, devotion, and unwavering support for one another and their family. He was a proud and loving father of five children: Tammy Duffey, Michelle Duffey, Dawn Duffey, Dustin (Sarah) Duffey, and Bridgett (Patrick) Drake. Dean was also a devoted grandfather to eight granddaughters: Jessica and Sarah (daughters of Dawn Duffey); Amelia, Evelyn, Claire, and Molly Duffey (daughters of Dustin and Sarah Duffey); and Jessa and Colette Drake (daughters of Bridgett and Patrick Drake). His children and granddaughters were the center of his world. Even until the end of his life, Dean’s greatest concern was that they were all okay, cared for, and provided for. Dean was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Duffey, formerly of Monroe, Michigan; his daughter, Michelle Duffey; and his mother, Eleanor Salow, also of Monroe, Michigan. Dean graduated from Monroe High School in 1955, where he excelled as an athlete. He played varsity baseball and football and was named MVP of the baseball team during his senior year. In October of 1955, Dean proudly volunteered for the United States Army, serving his country honorably overseas. While stationed at Fort Knox, he continued his love for baseball by playing on the Army baseball team. A lifelong lover of the outdoors, Dean especially enjoyed fishing and boating. He cherished taking his family out on his boat, “Deja Vu,” which was docked at Trout’s Yacht Basin for many years. Some of his most treasured memories were summers spent traveling to Daytona Beach with his brother and sister-in-law and their family. He loved the long drives with his family and his early morning walks on the beach to get coffee and donuts. At home, Dean found great joy in the simple pleasures of life—especially going for peaceful drives by the lake and through the countryside with his beloved wife, Patsy. Dean built a successful career in the trucking industry, most notably with Jones Transfer, where he concluded his tenure as President. He also served as Executive Vice President with TVM in Taylor, Michigan. Known for his leadership, integrity, and compassion, Dean earned the respect of colleagues and friends alike. He was deeply involved in his community, serving as a former member and president of the Monroe Club in Monroe, as well as a former president of Big Brothers Big Sisters. He is also a member of the American Legion and was previously on the board of the American Cancer Society. His dedication to helping others reflected the generous heart and servant spirit that defined his life. Dean will be remembered as a truly great man—one who cared deeply for everyone he met and would do anything for anybody. He had an enormous heart, especially for his family, and was loved and respected by all who knew him. His legacy of faith, kindness, leadership, and love will continue to live on through generations. A memorial visitation for Dean will be held at Redeemer Fellowship Baptist Church (5305 Evergreen Drive, Monroe, MI 48161) on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 11:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. at which time a memorial service will be held to celebrate Dean’s life.

Dean Ronald Duffey

February 18, 1937 - January 6, 2026