Robert Duffey

Robert Joseph Duffey, 91 years, a lifelong resident of Monroe, Michigan, passed away on August 15, 2012. Born August 16, 1920 in Toledo, Ohio, Bob was the son of the late Joseph E. and Lucille (Aubry) Duffey. Bob attended St. John the Baptist Elementary School, Hall of the Divine Child and was a 1938 graduate of Monroe High School. Bob went on to attend The University of Notre Dame where he lettered in freshman baseball, was a varsity cheerleader, and won the Bengal Boxing Bouts. He also attended The University of Toledo where he won the Toledo Golden Gloves and qualified for Nationals. Bob served his country proudly as a member of the United States Marine Corps during WWII, serving from July 3, 1942 to March 1946. Bob was a fighter pilot in the Pacific Theater and was honorably discharged as a Captain. On April 10, 1944 in Kinston, North Carolina, Bob married the former Rita M. Manausso. Sadly, she preceded him in death on June 1, 1995 after 51 years of marriage. Bob served as president of Jones Transfer Company in Monroe and president of the Michigan Trucking Association. Bob was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Monroe Golf and Country Club, Monroe Club, St. Nick’s Club, Greater Monroe Chamber of Commerce and the YMCA. Bob was a board member of the Monroe Port Commission, Monroe Bank and Trust, and First National Bank of Monroe. Bob also served as the CYO director for fourteen years. For civic mindedness Bob received the Liberty Bell Award in 1970, Friend of the SMCC Auction Award in 1996 and SMCC Alumnus of the Year Award in 2008. Above all, Bob enjoyed providing strength and wisdom to his family and setting, by example, standards of giving back to a community that has given so much to them. Bob is survived by his four loving children Robert J. “Mickey” (Marilyn) Duffey II of Monroe, Terry (Nicholas) Carlton of Monroe, Colleen (Kurt Schottenheimer) Duffey of Birmingham, Michigan, J. Kelley (Kim) Duffey of Monroe, and daughter-in-law Christine Duffey of Cincinnati, Ohio; eleven cherished grandchildren Erin, Devin, Calley, Caitlin, Christiaan, McKenzy, Steele, Sloane, Justin, Kiersten, and Chase Robert; 15 treasured great-grandchildren and his dear friend Margery Case. In addition to his beloved wife Rita and his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his son Joel Patrick Duffey in 1993, his brother Paul Duffey and his three sisters Evelyn Duffey, Dorothy Schatte, and Mary Jane Mace. In keeping with Bob’s wishes, cremation will be held. A memorial Mass celebrating his life will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on August 25, 2012 at 11:00 A.M.. Father James Smalarz will officiate. Visitation with the family will begin at 9:30 A.M. at St. John the Baptist. A procession will follow and he will be interred next to his wife at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe. The VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors at the cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to SMCC, River Raisin Center for the Arts, and Mercy Memorial Hospice of Monroe. The Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd. in Monroe is assisting with funeral arrangements.