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Robert Duff Masterson
Robert Duff Masterson
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Robert Duff Masterson Obituary
Duff spent his formative years in Palm Beach before pursuing higher education. He earned a bachelor's degree from Haverford College and a master's degree from the University of Bridgeport. A dedicated educator, Duff devoted his career to teaching with Dade County Schools and also taught internationally in Lebanon and Tanzania.
Beyond his professional life, Duff was deeply committed to community service. He volunteered extensively with the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and served as a leader for Alcoholics Anonymous and HIV support groups. His tireless efforts were recognized when he received the St. Stephens AIDS Outreach Founder's Pride Award for his unwavering dedication to individuals affected by AIDS.
Duff had a profound love for classical music and found great joy in attending symphony performances. His passion for music was a reflection of his appreciation for beauty and culture.
He is survived by his life partner, Richard Dean Smith; his first wife and mother of his children, Marianne Williamson; his children, Colin Robert Kirby Masterson, Dennis Duff Masterson, and Nanine Masterson Ortiz; and his cherished grandchildren: Garrett, Jessica, Savannah, Sabina, Lucas, Marco, and Liam.
A service in his honor will be held on March 1 at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Coconut Grove.
Duff's life was one of service, compassion, and intellectual curiosity. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
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Kar
March 3, 2025
I was so sorry to hear of Duff's passing. My prayers go out to his extended family. I am sure he is resting in the hands of his Lord and savior.
Colleen Bernuth
March 2, 2025
Will miss Duff sitting in the pew in front of me after all these years and seeing him at concerts around the city from time to time.
Sending my sincere condolences to Richard and the family.
Colleen
Carmela McIntire
February 28, 2025
I´m so sorry to hear of the passing of Duff Masterson.
It is very hard to imagine St Stephen´s without him, his smart, smiling, energetic presence, with Richard by his side, especially at the Art Festival.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
With love & sympathy,
Carmela McIntire
Nanine Masterson Ortiz
February 27, 2025
My Dad was the original listen and don´t judge man. I could tell him anything and he would never tell me what to do but would listen and let me fix my own issues. Sometimes I wanted him to intervene and help but that was not his way. It made me the independent, accepting g person I am. So now as an adult I appreciate it. I miss our really long phone conversations where sometimes he would ramble on but there was always something interesting and scandalous from his past that he would throw out there. He really was the most interesting man alive. Ever since he bought his first iPhone he programmed my number accidentally as a FaceTime call, so he would speak to me with the camera pointed inside his ear. It always made me laugh. I have so many moments that ai reach for the phone to chat and I remember he won´t answer. Luckily I save a bunch of his voicemails and I have one of him singing Happy Birthday impersonating Marilyn Monroe, which I looked forward too every year.
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Jay Loretta Masterson
February 26, 2025
Duff Masterson was a generous host, un raconteur extraordinaire, an open hearted friend, and a lover of the arts. He warmly welcomed me as a new member of the Masterson clan decades ago. He readily shared his wisdom, life experience & culinary skills. Phone conversations went on for hours as I listened enthralled by vignettes from his life of traveling & teaching, told with charm & self-deprecating wit. Duff was engaged in a life long mission to help folks become free of addiction. He consistently gave his time, treasure & talent to better the lives of those who entered his circle. All were positively impacted by his passionate involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous. Recovering folks will continue to benefit from Duff's example & commitment for years to come. I am thankful to have shared in a small portion of his journey on this planet.
Roger Masterson
February 26, 2025
Robert Duff Masterson was my dad's (Kirby Masterson) younger brother. They were born 9 years apart.
Kirby and Katey's kids met their "Uncle Bob" in 1956 at the International Music Camp at Interlochen, Michigan where Kirby was the publicity director for 3 years. Duff got Katey and Kirby involved several Gilbert and Sullivan operettas productions, namely The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado. Everyone had great fun with the practices and the productions.
After our family moved Chappaqua, NY in 1959 we saw Duff frequently since he lived in southern Connecticut, I believe it was Greenwich.
Duff was involved with a mixed choir with numerous concerts over the years, most memorably Handle's Messiah. I think he gave my parents the full record set of the Messiah. It played constantly at our house every Christmas and remains a loved part of my interior architecture.
Duff was very generous with my parents. I learned later in life that he gave them a significant part of the down-payment on their first house and other gifts of house hold appliances. He gave my parents his time and love, watching the kids in our growing family while they got away for a weekend or other projects.
I took off from college to be at Duff's wedding to Marianne in NYC in 1968.
Those were great times.
I was able to visit with him and Richrd multiple time over the years in Miami. Duff's vigorously engaged in conversation whether in person or on the phone, (2 hours was normal when he called). As "the last leaf on the tree" he was the family historian as well.
We all loved him and will miss his unique soul.
Roger Masterson
Dede Eshleman
February 26, 2025
So many memories of day trips to see Duff and Richard!
Linda Monsalvatge
February 26, 2025
Dear Nina,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Father. Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May he Rest In Eternal Peace
Kindest Regards,
Linda & Donald Monsalvatge
Tom Masterson
February 26, 2025
Thank you Duff for all you gave to the world! Your spirit is still here to bless. May we continue in the spirit of the love you expressed.
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