Richard A. DUFFEE

DUFFEE, Richard A.


Richard A. Duffee, of Hacienda North, The Villages, FL and formerly Canton, passed away on May 7, 2013 after a long courageous battle. Affectionately referred to as "King Richard" by his devoted wife of almost 61 years, Therese C. Duffee, ("Terry"), he was a remarkably gifted man of great intellect, vision, talent, strength, love, and victories. A true Christmas Child, Mr. Duffee was born in South Boston, MA December 25, 1930. He and his wife met at age 17 and have been together ever since, sharing a life adventure that has led them around the world while building a family and blazing scientific trails. As President of Odor Science & Engineering, Inc. (OS&E), Mr. Duffee provided consulting services to a diversified clientele. These clients included many of the Fortune 500 industrial corporations such as General Motors, General Electric, Pfizer and Anheuser-Busch. Prior to forming OS&E, he was Vice-President and Chief Scientist of TRC-Environmental Consultants, Inc. a firm which he helped form in 1970. Following his service in The United States Air Force, Mr. Duffee spent thirteen years in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Battelle Memorial Institute Columbus Laboratories from 1956 through 1968 primarily engaged in odor research. With degrees in chemistry from Boston College, meteorology from Pennsylvania State University, and experimental psychology from Ohio State University, Mr. Duffee has authored more than 50 publications dealing with air pollution control, odor and industrial hygiene. A gifted musician, Mr. Duffee performed at Church in the Square and in numerous theatrical productions at Canton Benefits Productions in Canton. Predeceased by his sisters Josephine Boelhoff and Helen Duffee, his brother, Paul Duffee, and his daughter Erin Rose Duffee, Mr. Duffee leaves behind his beloved wife, Therese C. Duffee; and their children: Michele and Mike Verhoosky, Kevin and Elizabeth Duffee, Donnalynn and Jonathan Selavka, and Shawn and Theresa Duffee; he also leaves his grandchildren: Jessica MacIver-Verhoosky, Jason and Melissa Verhoosky, Brian and Dan Duffee, Alan, Rachel, and Natalie Selavka, Kaitlyn, Kayla and Kyle Duffee; his "honorary grandchild," Heidi Showstead; and his great-grandchildren Lily and Emily MacIver, Molly and Will Verhoosky, and Ethan Micah Duffee.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at St. Timothy's Roman Catholic Church in The Villages followed by burial at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell and a reception at Mr. and Mrs. Duffee's home. A wake will be held on Monday, May 13, 2013 from 4-6 p.m. at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, The Villages, 1511 Buenos Aires Blvd. Online condolences may be left at www.hiers-baxley.com. Donations may be made to: Boston College Campus School Campion Hall, Room 197, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 or Make-A-Wish Foundation of America Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 6062, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6662. Hiers-Baxley is in charge of funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.hiers-baxley.com.