Richard W. Duffy

Richard William Duffy, 82, of Wilbraham, passed peacefully on February 25, 2024 surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family.

He was born in Springfield on August 4, 1941 to the late Francis and Mary (Donovan) Duffy. He was a 1959 graduate of Classical High School, received an undergraduate degree from UMass Amherst, and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Anna Maria College. He served in the United States Army in Vietnam and was active in veterans’ groups in Western Massachusetts. He retired as a Lieutenant from the Springfield Police Department after a 34-year career and was a licensed funeral director, providing embalming services over the years at Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services.

Rich was an avid reader and was rarely without a book in hand. In his leisure time, he also enjoyed fly fishing, tending to his chickens, meeting with his “geezer group” at Dunkin Donuts, and walking with his yellow lab, Maizie. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

He leaves his beloved wife, Eileen M. (Sullivan) Duffy, to whom he was happily married for over 50 years. He also leaves his three loving children, Catherine and her husband, James Reichert, of Acton; Tish and her husband, William Maxwell, of Wilton, CT; and Michael and his wife, Anja, of Holyoke; six cherished grandchildren, Henry and Thomas Reichert, Griffin and Calla Maxwell, and Donal and Tobias Duffy; his dear sister, MaryJean Rudd, of Fairborn, OH; his sister-in-law, Judith Sullivan, of East Longmeadow; his sister-in-law, Eileen (O’Flynn) Duffy of Texas; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Thomas Duffy; his brother-in-law, David Rudd; his brother-in-law, James R. Sullivan; his sister-in-law, Claire O’Brien; and a niece, Beth Bremner.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services, 15 Ludlow Ave., Springfield. Burial with military honors will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rich’s memory may be made to the Friends of the Springfield Vet Center, 95 Ashley Avenue, West Springfield, MA 01089. To offer online condolences to the family, please visit www.nowakfuneral.com.

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