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ROBERT DUFF Obituary
Age 87, on Saturday, June 28, 2014, peacefully with family. A 12 year resident of Masonic Village at Sewickley, formally of Ben Avon Heights and Brentwood, PA. Husband of the late Mary Elizabeth Dewar Duff; father of Amy Duff Zeffiro (Timothy) and Robert Elder Duff, Jr. (Donna); six incredible grandchildren, Sarah Dewar Zeffiro, Hannah Zeffiro Doolan (Jonathan), Rebekah Duff Zeffiro, Susanah Crowley Zeffiro, Erin Genise Duff and Robert Elder Duff, III; also nieces and nephews, Katie Duff Simonson (Fred), Nancy Duff Hazen (James), Alfred J. Duff (Barbara) and Mary Duff Hagopian (David), Douglas Reichert (Donna) and James Reichert; sister-in-law, Martha Dewar Reichert (Douglas Reichert). Mike spent his entire professional career in the insurance business with Provident Agency in Pittsburgh. An outstanding athlete, he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at both Brentwood High School in Pittsburgh and Thiel College in Greenville, PA. He began his college athletic career at the University of Pittsburgh on a football scholarship, but was drafted by the Army in World War II, where he served and saw action in Okinawa. When his service ended, he returned to Pittsburgh in December, when football season was over. He visited a high school friend at Thiel College in Greenville, PA. The Thiel coach asked him to stay and play basketball for that season. He was made captain of the team, met the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Dewar from Bellevue, and never left Thiel. He received many awards and set numerous records, including being named to the PA All-State Basketball team and held the national record for foul-shooting percentage while at Thiel College. He was a Division I college football official for 30 years. In his later years he claimed the title of "ping pong" champion at Masonic Village. He was a long time member of the Ben Avon Presbyterian Church and Shannopin Country Club. A Memorial Celebration will be held on Friday, August 1, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Masonic Village at Sewickley Assembly Room. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Urban Impact Foundation "Play Ball for Kids," 801 Union Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Arrangements by MCDONALD-LINN FUNERAL HOME, INC., Avalon.
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Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT DUFF
Lynn Evans
July 9, 2014
Amy & Bob, Our parents' friendship started along time ago- maybe at the Bantam Bar, or the many vacations to Stone Harbor with half the neighborhood? There were lots of summer days at Shannopin CC pool and living in Ben Avon Heights- the Duff's threw some great parties! How about Nancy and Mary's marathon phone conversations- what did they talk about? During high school we all spent a lot of time hanging out in your parents' kitchen on Brighton Road. Then when everyone seemed to move to the Masonic Village, I enjoyed running into your dad when I was visiting my mom. He always had a smile and funny comment for me. There has been a lot of years and some great memories between our families! So it is with much love and sadness, I mourn the passing of your father.
Rick Johnson
July 7, 2014
So sorry to read of Mr. Duff's passing. The last time I saw him was the passing of my own Dad- Bud. Very fond memories of Mr.and Mrs. Duff and their family growing up in Ben Avon Heights. I just remember a lot of laughter when Mary, Mike, Buddy and Trish were together. My condolences to all the family.
Joann McCormick
July 7, 2014
Living across the hall from my mom at the Village I got to know your dad little by little with each visit I made to my moms. Always a nice word from him. You have my deepest sympathy at the news of his passing. He will be missed by many. Joann
Rosalind Hare
July 7, 2014
Dear Amy...so many people will miss your dad.I have so many happy memories of him...especially in your kitchen at Brighton Rd. where he and your mother approved of Tom! Love and hugs,Roz
July 6, 2014
Dear Amy and Bobby, Your parents, Mary and Mike, are among my fondest long time friends on BAH. Always there for everyone. I think of Mike as a gracious, kind gentleman with a happy smile. My prayers are with all your lovely family.
Bob and Margaret Wilson Jones
July 6, 2014
Amy and Bob:
My condolences to your family. Wonderful memories of both of your parents (Aunt Mary and Uncle Mike) up at your house in Ben Avon Heights. The Bados always enjoyed them both.
Richard Bado, Houston, TX
Doc and Jennifer fitzsimmons
July 6, 2014
Your father was a true "Gentle-man". We were fortunate to know him as a mentor and life long friend. We will always remember the special times we shared with him and Mary.
Our love and best wishes to the family .....Love Doc and Jennifer.
July 6, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Amy, Timmy and Family that warm memories and precious photos of your Father will help ease your sorry.
With Sympathy - Barb & John Hough
Anne Hartigan
July 5, 2014
My thoughts are with Mike's Family at this sad time.
Mark Bado
July 5, 2014
Dear Amy and Bob-
Your parent meant the world to my parents and family. It is happy hour in heaven and our parents are having a blast. Aunt Mary and Mom are discussing their days at Bellevue and Uncle Mike and Dad your talking sports. We all should be proud.
Mark Bado
July 5, 2014
Dear Amy, we are so sorry for your loss. You are such a good daughter and faithful friend. We love you. The Brownie's
Susan Forbes Gohs
July 5, 2014
Dear Amy and family,
I'm very sorry to learn of this news. I remember him so well especially from Shannopin. It is the people like your parents that made growing up in BAH so full of wonderful and fond memories. I am very sorry for your loss.
July 5, 2014
Oh Amy, I am so sorry for your loss of your father. Please accept my sincerest condolences. I pray that I will meet him one day in heaven. Sam Coco
July 5, 2014
Amy, Your father was one of the "good guys", along with Doug Reichert, Dave Rees & Mac. These were men who touched my life as funny, smart, athletic and men of great integrity. Mr Duff was always interested in what was going on in my life. Really liked him. My condolences to you and the entire family. All our generational parents are passing.
love,
Paul & Beth (McKee) Beswick
John Corfield
July 5, 2014
I'm not sure I ever met a nicer person in my life. He was a mentor to me in basketball growing up. He will be missed. John Corfield
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