Robert W. Duffy died at home on October 20, 2015 with his loving family at his side.

Robert was born in Clinton, Massachusetts on May 9, 1928, the son of the late Ella Clara (Buckheim) Duffy and John Patrick Duffy. Robert served in the 58th Battalion of the United States Army after graduating from high school and was stationed in Kyoto, Japan. During his stay in Japan he attended the Art Institute of Okinawa. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from a combined program of study at Clark University and the Worcester Art Museum. Robert received his Master’s Degree in Education from Worcester State College. He furthered his studies at Mass College of Art and Butera College of Art. In 1963, he received a Ford Foundation grant in visual perception offered at Philips Academy, Andover, Mass.

Robert was an art teacher in the Worcester Public Schools including Burncoat Junior High School and North High School. His students affectionately referred to him as “Duff Baby.” Until quite recently he attended the monthly retired teachers’ dinner with Bernard Foley and Thomas O’Brien. This career allowed him to pursue his true passion Plein- Air painting. He exhibited in area galleries and received multiple awards for his outstanding art technique. His work was published in the Atlantic Salmon Journal, American Artist and the book, “Drawing and Painting from Nature”, 1989.

Robert was also an avid outdoorsmen and loved hunting and fly tying. He was a member of the New England Fly Tyers, Atlantic Salmon Federation, Indian Lake Water Shed Association and Wachusett Greenways.

Most precious to him were his wife and family. He made his life in a small house filled with paintings on a beautiful pond in Worcester. His quick humor and incredible intelligence created multiple adventures and mischief. Among his last words he told his wife to tell his family how much he loved them.

He leaves behind his wife, Anna (Smith) Duffy and children; Anne M. Pirani and her husband Dr. Michael J. Pirani, Ellen Duffy-Friend and her husband William A. Friend, Angela O’Connor and her husband Patrick N. O’Connor, Walter R. Duffy and his wife Linda(Scola)Duffy. His grandchildren; Patrick O’Connor, Jacqueline O’Connor, Brendan Friend, Bridget Friend, Connor Friend, Joseph Plrani, Laura Pirani and Olivia Duffy; his brother, Edward (Babe) Duffy and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, John W. Duffy, his wife June, and nephew, David Duffy. He had special admiration for his late father-in-law, Dr. Maurice E. Smith. His wonderful community of friends included, Edgar Watson, Mike Graves, Linda Sinacola, TA Charron, Georgia Fletcher, Dean Clark, Barbara Lussier, Gerard Blouin, Donald Valley, Stanley Lalos, Constance Finnegan and special thanks to Robert Aiello. His history would not be complete without mention of his predeceased friends, Carter Breed, Bernard Corey, Frank Rapheal, Peter Sun, Walter Daby, Stanley Poreda, Stuart Anderson, Jack Loughlin and Robert Davis.

His family would like to give recognition to the Worcester VNA Hospice, Patricia Dorval- Henderson, Elizabeth Rotti and especially Regina Cunningham, RN for all of her guidance and support.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, October 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be Friday, October, 23, from the funeral home with a Mass at 11 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove St., Worcester. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the American Cancer Society , 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701, or to VNA Hospice, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608.