William (Bill) Richard Duffy, passed away on his 96th birthday, Wednesday, January 18, 2023, in Virginia Beach, Virginia surrounded by his loving family and friends. Bill was born January 18, 1927 to Melvin and Marie Duffy in Detroit, Michigan. He was a graduate of Cooley High School in Detroit, Michigan and Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education (Summa Cum Laude) in 1972 and a Master of Science degree in Education in 1979.
While serving in the U.S. Navy in Grosse Ile, Michigan, he met the love of his life, Nancy Sumire Ogasawara. They were married on October 26, 1957 at Mt. McGregor in Wilton, New York. Living the Navy life, they lived in Michigan, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Florida, and finally ending up in Virginia.
He is predeceased by his parents, his stepparents Elizabeth Duffy and Tom Mulvahill, and his brother Russell Duffy. He is survived by his wife and his children, Susan Duffy Coopersmith, Dennis Duffy, Debra Duffy, and Diana Duffy Waterman, and his grandchildren, Michael and Patrick Duffy, Sherlynn Duffy, Venessa Duffy Lamka, Meghan Duffy, and Kevin and Caty Waterman.
Bill, eager to serve his Country, enlisted in the U.S. Navy when he was only 17. After 27 years of service, he retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer in Avionics. He then began his second career, earning his B.S. in Education and then teaching Industrial Arts, first at Plaza Junior High School and then at Lynnhaven Junior High School, both in Virginia Beach, Virginia. After teaching for more than 20 years, he embarked upon his second retirement.
He was everyone’s “Grandpa” fixing all the kids in the neighborhood’s broken bikes and toys and coming to the rescue of the “big kids” fixing their appliances and cars.
He was dad to many beloved dogs throughout the years.
After Nancy retired, Bill and Nancy took advantage of their free time and took to the road more often, traveling the Country in their Motor Coach. They particularly enjoyed visiting friends and family and really looked forward to their annual trip to Southern Florida to visit family and then their leisurely trip along the Gulf Coast with no real itinerary, stopping when something interested them and just enjoying being together.
Bill lived a simple life and desired a simple sendoff requesting there be no service – he wanted people to remember him as he had been in life. He will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Condolences for the family may be left at. Donations may be made in his memory to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or to the United States Navy Memorial.
I and my wife were saddened to just learn of Bill’s passing today. We knew him for many years as a fellow “mall walker” at Lynnhaven Mall. He walked there in the morning, before all the stores opened, almost daily for at least several decades. I first met Bill over 15 years ago when I retired and joined my wife in her daily mall walks, which she had already been doing for some years. She introduced me to Bill and we would talk about life as we all walked along the interior of the mall. He was an engaging and warm-hearted guy, with interesting stories. Our condolences to his family.
I remember Bill as an exception student at Old Dominion University and technology education teacher at the Beach. He guided many student teachers and worked to improve the middle school curriculum during summer sessions. Nancy and Bill often attended functions of the technology honorary group sponsored by Old Dominion, Happy sailing Master Chief.
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of William Richard Duffy, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Navy Veteran, William Richard Duffy, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
Diana, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Through time I hope the fond memories will ease your sadness and comfort you. Thinking of you.