Keith Duffy

Edward "Keith" Duffy, 96, of Chillicothe, Ohio, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of quiet strength, steady presence, and a meticulous attention to detail that he maintained to the very end.

Born in July 1928 to Boyton and Susan Freda Duffy, Keith grew up learning the value of hard work by helping his father in the family lumber yard, and after his father’s death working the nightshift at a bakery at 13. This early experience instilled in him a work ethic that he carried throughout his life, from his service in the Army infantry during the Korean War, where he attained the rank of sergeant, to his successful career in engineering.

After the war, Keith married Marcella Mae McAffee, and together they started a family and a life filled with love. Keith pursued a degree in engineering, which led to a long career at Mead Paper, where he used his skills to contribute to the industry and support his family in Chillicothe. Marcella’s passing from breast cancer was a profound loss for Keith, often becoming teary-eyed when talking about her even decades later. He and Marcella had three children: Brenda, Linda, and Bruce.

Keith’s love for baseball followed him through life. He played for the Army, tried out for the Cincinnati Reds and played for a semi-pro team in Ohio. As an adult, he discovered a love for golf and continued to play into his late 80s.

Keith was a man of quiet order, a meticulous and steady hand who appreciated the details in life. Those who knew him well would smile at the sight of him adjusting a blanket to just the right position or picking up a stray crumb from the floor, even in his final days. He approached life with the same care, making sure that things were in their place and his family was provided for.

In 1977, Keith married Blondena “Dena” Duffy, bringing their families together and beginning a new chapter that would span over four decades. Through Dena, he gained a daughter, Sharon. Together, Keith and Dena embraced life’s adventures, traveling extensively from Australia and Europe to Alaska and Hawaii. For more than 20 years, they were snowbirds in Arizona. Some of their favorite memories were of family beach vacations, and they collected seashells, souvenirs, and countless memories along the way.

Keith is remembered with love by his children, Sharon (Fred) Rose, Brenda (Tim) Sheridan, Linda (Rod) Siddons, and Bruce Duffy; eight grandchildren: Heather (Danny) Peterson, Aaron (Angella) Rose, Vanessa (Ben) Borkowski, Bryan (Jessica) Strong, Sarah (Evan) Cox, Brianne Duffy, Kyle Duffy, and Colin (Renee) Duffy; and 12 great-grandchildren: Taylor Peterson, Sydney Peterson, Alexis Rose, Austin Rose, Hailey Borkowski, Brooke Borkowski, Shelby Borkowski, Scarlett Strong, Kallen Strong, Avalyn Cox, Adriana Cox and Forrest Duffy.

Keith’s life will be remembered as one of integrity, dedication, and love for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and in the memories he created with those he loved.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday November 8, 2024 in the FAWCETT OLIVER GLASS AND PALMER FUNERAL HOME with Pastor Wes Souders, officiating.  Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service on Friday.  An online memorial is available at www.fawcett-palmer.com.

The Fawcett Oliver Glass and Palmer Funeral Home are honored to serve the Duffy Family.