William “Bill” Duffy, 81, of Sandy Hook went home to God on October 3 at East Hill Senior Living Hospitality Group in Southbury.

Bill grew up and attended schools in Staten Island, where he felt a calling to help others. He attended Mary Knoll Seminary to be a Christian Brother for two years with the hope of serving abroad. When he left seminary, he was drafted that same week and opted to join the Navy Submarine Service during the Vietnam Era. He served on USS San Rayburn for four and a half years, during which time he traveled all over the world, which provided some of his happiest memories.

Following his time in the Navy, he served an apprenticeship and became a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters in New York. With his carpentry skills Bill also worked around the world for years until meeting Laura Carmichael. They were married in 1996 and then began traveling together.

Bill worked as a carpenter for years in the tri-state area. His final employment of 13 years was in Facilities Management at Wilton Meadows where he was known for literally beaming happiness to the residents. Bill loved listening to everyone’s stories at Wilton Meadows. He would look people in the eye when speaking to them, and always found something to compliment them on. He made every person feel special by acknowledging them.

He especially enjoyed the holidays, and dressing up for the residents. Bill didn’t just punch a time clock. He loved what he did and extended that to others.

He will always live on in our memories as a gentle, generous Christian gentleman with a gift for telling stories of his world travels.

Bill was beloved by many, especially his wife of 29 years, Laura, and his sons by marriage, Andy (Kim), Matt (Treena), and Dan (Jackie) Broockmann. He is also survived by his brother, Gerard Duffy (Karin), sister Christine Lenaghan (Jim), and a large group of nephews and nieces whom he treasured.

His parents Charles and Winifred and his brothers Charlie and Michael predeceased him.

Visitation with family and friends will be at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Brookfield on Saturday, October 18, from 10 to 11 am, with a Celebration of Life service at 11 am.

An interment of ashes in the Prince of Peace cemetery will follow the service, with a reception afterwards in the fellowship hall. Donations may be made in memory of Bill to ELCA World Hunger at elca.org/our-work/relief-and-development/elca-world-hunger.