4/25/1942 to 7/16/2020

Michael Bernard Duffy (“Mike,” “Mick,” or “Duff”) was a hero to many. Throughout his 46 years of sobriety, he dedicated himself to helping others to find the joy and serenity he found by embracing the 12 steps. He lived by them. In doing so, he inspired many people and saved many lives. His AA family was very important to him.

He passed away unexpectedly in the arms of his loving daughter, Catherine “Cat,” in the early morning hours of July 16. He was a lucky man, because he knew that his family loved him and they all knew that he loved them.

He was born on April 25, 1942, in New York City and grew up in the Inwood section of Manhattan. A first-generation Irish American, he was proud of his heritage. His mother, Mary Ann Mone, of Castleblayney, County Monaghan, Ireland, and his father, Michael Duffy, of BallyBay, County Monaghan, Ireland, met in New York City where they married and had three children: Peggy, John, and Michael.

He is survived by his sister, Margaret “Peggy” Duffy Daniels of Woodbury; his son, Michael L. Duffy, and his wife, Goldyn Dows Duffy of Aliso Viejo Calif.; granddaughter Jade Duffy Michael and her husband, Casey Michael, of Bantam; granddaughter Kaylee Duffy and great-granddaughter (Mike’s angel), Kinsley Jane, of California; granddaughters Emma Duffy and Shaelinn Duffy of Aliso Viejo, Calif.; his daughter Catherine Duffy Buxton and her husband, Toad Buxton, who were his primary caregivers, of Sharon, Vt.; his daughter Teresa Duffy, of Torrington, and her children, grandson Tobias Michael Nasipak, granddaughter Delia Grace Nasipak; and grandsons Seamus Patrick, Jack, and Michael Duffy.

He adored his many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews: his nephew and godson Thomas Comerford and his wife, Mary, their children, Meaghan and Thomas; his nephew Brian Comerford (deceased), and his children Siobhan, Brian, and Fionna; his nieces Laura Comerford and Tricia Ricci and her husband, Rich, their children, Morgan and Aidan; and many furry grand-puppies and kittens.

He is predeceased by his parents, Mary Ann and Michael Duffy; his brother, John P. Duffy; his nephew, Brian Michael Comerford; and his life partner, the love of his life, Alice Leopizo, who passed away 18 years ago, nearly to the day that Mike left us.

During the last ten years of his life, he had the opportunity to travel. He joined his visiting with his large family on trips to England, Ireland, Ohio, Arizona, the Grand Canyon, and all over Southern California. On all of these journeys, he truly enjoyed himself everywhere he went and would always make new friends along the way.

Donations in Mike’s memory can be made to the AA general fund online at contribution.aa.org or by mail to General Service Office, Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York NY 10163.

An online service will be held at a future date. To join, please contact his family at 2391 Downer Road, South Strafford VT 05070 or catduffybuxton@gmail.com.