John Kelley Duffey, 67, passed away peacefully on August 7th in Detroit, MI at the home of his son, Chase Duffey and his partner, Michael Sullivan.
The youngest of five children, Kelley was Born April 3, 1957, to the late Robert and Rita (Manausso) Duffey in Monroe, MI, where he spent much of his adult life. He later relocated to Henderson, NV. Returning every summer to his home away from home of 36 years, Sage Lake, in Northern Michigan.
Kelley was a 1971 graduate of the Hall of the Divine Child and a 1975 Monroe Catholic Central graduate. After attending Central Michigan University and the University of Miami he earned a degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University. Kelley remained friends to this day with many of his fellow classmates. After college he met and later married Kim Liedel. They chose to relocate to Las Vegas, NV where he was proud to work for the El Cortez Hotel and Casino. Moving back to Michigan to start a family they welcomed Chase Robert, their only son, in 1990. Kelley went to work in sales for the family business, the former Jones Transfer Company of Monroe, MI. After the company sold, he started his life-long commitment to young people working for Boysville of Michigan, a boarding school for Catholic young men.
Kelley was a lifetime sports enthusiast, whether participating, coaching, or even placing a wager or two. Like his father, he excelled in boxing and later competed in the Toledo Golden Gloves. Always one to share his talents, Kelley went on to be a JV football coach for St. Mary Catholic Central, a boxing coach with Joes Boxing Club, and a mentor to countless athletes. Whether through formal programs, or simply instructing the children of his friends and neighbors in the basement or front yard. Kelley was always willing to teach someone how to throw a punch to defend yourself, toss a football with your entire arm, or how to water ski. But must you not forget while trying to ski "it's a water sport, you're going to get wet" said with a loving but stern tone as his patience started to wear thin.
An avid outdoorsman, Kelley would fish the Canadian rivers, bear hunt out west and deer hunt "the farm" in Newport along with many hunting weekends spent with friends at Sage Lake. He enjoyed these times spent with lifelong friends, meeting new ones, or sharing the sport with a new generation of outdoorsman.
His sincerity knew no bounds, as he was always willing to share his gifts, knowledge, and means. Kelley immensely enjoyed hosting friends and family or planning a meal out on the town. Always one to be entertaining, whether at the lake for numerous guests or hosting the annual Christmas Eve party and adding to the fun by removing the living room furniture for a dance floor. And while not the most adventurous of eaters, he was a good judge of fine dining and proper service. He enjoyed introducing people to new experiences and somehow always managed to pay the tab without anyone noticing or being able to fight him for it.
Kelley's ability to strike up a meaningful conversation with almost anyone, has led to true and close friendships. From his longtime friends in Monroe and Sage Lake, to his many dear friends in Nevada, he was truly a connector of people and someone who was dependable, generous, and always willing to help.
Kelley was proceeded in death by his loving parents, Robert J. and Rita M. Duffey, his best friend and older brother, Joel P. Duffey, and his Goddaughter, Devin A. Pilgrim. He is survived by a large network of friends and cherished family, including his cousins, sister and brother in-laws, great nieces and nephews, and countless people who consider him like a father figure. These relationships include 40 years shared with Kim Duffey of Monroe, MI, his son Chase Duffey and his partner Michael Sullivan of Detroit, MI. His closest friend and older sister, Colleen Duffey (and best man Kurt Schottenheimer) of Royal Oak, MI. Brother Robert J. II "Mickey" (Marilyn) Duffey of Monroe, MI and sister Terry (Nick) Carlton of Monroe, MI. Nieces and nephews Sloane (Michael) Jameson, Steele Schottenheimer (Blake Houghton), Kiersten (J.T.) Gray, Justin Duffey, Christiaan (Stephanie) Carlton, McKenzie (Rich) Leibowitz, Mallory Tomaro (John Breza), Bruce Amwake, Ryan Tomaro, Erin Duffey (Ed Broderick), Calley Duffey (Theodore Westerlund), and Caitlin Duffey (Kevin Abramson).
In keeping with Kelley's wishes, cremation has been held. A memorial mass will be held at St. Mary's Parish Church located at 127 N. Monroe Street Friday, August 23rd at 11:00 a.m. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m. Private interment will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary Catholic Central, "SMCC Endowment Fund" noted to the Robert and Rita Duffey Endowed Teachers Fund.
Bacarella Funeral Home, is assisting Kelley's family with funeral arrangements.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .