Ryan Michael Duffy

1986 - 2025

Pittsfield - Ryan Michael Duffy, age 39, passed away December 27, 2025 at Berkshire Medical Center after a long struggle with metastatic melanoma. In his battle, he discovered within himself previously unknown and untapped reserves of strength and persisted despite the odds.

Born in Pittsfield on August 22, 1986, he was the son of Gail (Paquette) Duffy and the late Michael Duffy. Ryan was an alumnus of Pittsfield High School (class of 2004), continuing his education at Berkshire Community College (2006) and Westfield State University (2009), culminating with an M.S. in Library Science from Simmons College (2015). Ryan shared his passion for reading and education through his roles as Librarian at Forbes Library in Northampton, MA and Youth Services Librarian for the Worcester Public Library system in Worcester, MA. Ryan had an easy rapport with people, and his years working in libraries contributed mightily to his affinity for storytelling. Returning to Pittsfield due to illness, he most recently worked as a Meals On Wheels delivery driver for Elder Services of Berkshire County. His presence was a comfort to his clients, and in return their life experiences and stories brought a new perspective to this challenging stage of his life.

He is survived by his mother, Gail Duffy, with whom he lived; his sister, Meaghan Duffy and partner Dan Abramovich of Waltham, MA. He leaves his aunts, Barb Mazzer (Jim) of Pittsfield and Maureen Duffy (John Celardo) of Fanwood, NJ. He is also survived by his cousins Kate Brazeau and husband Jeremy, and Matt Mazzer and wife Aleah. He was predeceased by his father, Mike, in 2022; and his paternal grandparents Robert and Evelyn Duffy, and maternal grandparents Wilfred and Dorothy Paquette. Ryan is also survived by his extended "family" of very close friends who played a huge part in making him the incredible person he was.

Ryan was well known for his irreverent sense of humor and made us laugh like no one else. Even during the darkest days of his illness he found reasons to laugh at the absurdity of life. A collector of stories and experiences, Ryan was a witty and gifted storyteller with a well-honed sense of comedy and a flair for the dramatic, possessing the ability to produce a laugh from anyone who was fortunate enough to cross his path. His love of performing carried over into his love for music. Ryan had eclectic musical taste, an enviable record collection, and a love of performing as a drummer and vocalist in various band projects over the years. He was an inveterate culture hound who enjoyed a wide array of books, movies, tv series, and documentaries and was always ready with a recommendation, eager to share his latest obsession.

While Ryan had a great sense of adventure, traveling to places as far as Iceland, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, he had deep affection for his hometown of Pittsfield and took great joy in exploring the woodlands and natural treasures of the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley. Even within our own country, Ryan was well traveled as he roadied for friends' bands on their U.S. tours, providing much needed laughs during those long days and longer drives.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the amazing team of doctors, nurses, and staff members of Massachusetts General Hospital, particularly his oncologist Dr. Ryan Sullivan.

We were lucky to have Ryan for 39 years, but it was never going to be enough. We will miss him forever.

Funeral Notice: Calling hours will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield, MA 01201 from 2-4 pm and a Celebration of Life at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Mass General Brigham Cancer Center organization, Caring For A Cure (https://www.massgeneral.org/cancer-center/everyday-amazing/caring-for-a-cure).