Donald A. "Don" Duffus Jr.

1959 - 2016

NORTHAMPTON - Donald A. Duffus Jr., 56, of Florence, passed away Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, surrounded by his family.

Don was born Oct. 28, 1959, in Northampton, to the late Donald A. and Catherine T. (Powers) Duffus. He was educated in Northampton schools and graduated from Smith Vocational High School in 1978.Additionally, he graduated from East Coast Aeronautical Technical School in Bedford.

More recently he was a member of the Advisory Committee and chair of that committee for the automotive department at Smith Vocational for many years.He was also involved at Porter & Chester Institute. Don was in the automotive industry his entire career. He worked at Blyda Ford and Hampshire Lincoln Mercury in Northampton, and then as a master technician at Balise Toyota in West Springfield, and Lia Toyota in Northampton.

Don loved the outdoors and spending time with family and friends. He was a private person, but touched so many lives. He had a smile that would light up the room. Don was an avid hiker and skier. Local spots he would hike were Skinner Mountain and Mt. Tom. In the winter you could still find him on the mountains, but Killington and Mad River Glen were his stomping grounds. As much as he enjoyed the trails he was a glade skier at heart. Don was also a great cook and was known for his chili.

He is survived by his sister Kathleen Duffus Coullard and brother-in-law Marcel Coullard of Uxbridge; two uncles, William Duffus Jr. of Northampton, and Jack Colby of Westfield; his cousin Mary Lou Walsh of Auburndale; as well as many other cousins. Don was predeceased by his aunts, uncles and several cousins.

Friends and family may gather Friday, Oct. 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Czelusniak Funeral Home, 173 North St., Northampton. Don's funeral will be Saturday at 9:30 a.m. from the Czelusniak Funeral Home of Northampton, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 99 King St., Northampton. Per Don's request, burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made in Don's memory to Smith Vocational & Agricultural High School Automotive Department, 80 Locust St., Northampton, MA 01060.

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