About Dr Earl Paul Duffy Jr
Dr. Earl P. Duffy Jr. (Duff), a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle passed away peacefully on August 14, 2024 at the age of 70.
He was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois to Earl Senior and Lucille Duffy. After Duff graduated Dental School from Northwestern University he moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1980 to begin his dental practice. This is where he would meet and marry the love of his life. They went on to raise a beautiful family.
He loved to go fishing with his sons, woodworking, fix anything that was broken, and spend time in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Duff was a shining example of kindness and generosity. His infectious enthusiasm, humor, and ability to light up a room made him the life of any gathering. Duff’s impact on the world was immeasurable. His passion for his loved ones and his profession was evident in everything he did. He was a constant source of positivity, inspiration, and support to those around him. His laughter was contagious, and his genuine kindness knew no bounds.
Duff is survived by his loving wife Debbie of 42 years, three sons Ian, Kyle, and Shaun, three daughters-in-law Brooke, Rachel, and Alicia and his five granddaughters Rylee, Reagan, Reese, Clara, and Layla.
Duff will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of kindness, humor, and generosity will live on in the hearts of many.
A celebration of Duff’s life will be held on Saturday, September 14th at 10 am at Central Christian Church 933 N. Lindsay Road, Mesa AZ 85213.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Duff’s name at: http://act.alz.org/goto/earl_duff_duffy
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
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36 comments
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Duff was an amazing neighbor and friend. Any time spent with him was filled with fun. He was also a fantastic dentist. Thanks Duff for all the beautiful memories. Heaven is a better place. I love you my friend.
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Best guy and dentist around. See you later, Duff. You will be missed. ~Tobi Mac
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My deepest condolences to the Duffy family.
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My deepest condolences to the entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
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Duffy always was the life of any gathering that we had with our family reunions,birthdays and holidays. He will be truly missed.
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my sincere condolences for the loss of your husband. my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. love you
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Fridays at the dental school were the best because you were there, Dr. Duffy! So grateful that I had a chance to know you, work with you and laugh with you for so many years! Until we meet again, my friend! My heart breaks for your family who lost you so young due to this terrible disease! But comforted that you are at peace and yourself once again. Don’t tease the angels, Duff!
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Debbie and family. We are so very sorry and surprised to hear this news. Keeping you all on our prayers.
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Our deepest condolences to the Duffy family. What Great memories and laughter that we shared with Duff.
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Dr Duffy made going to my dental check-in a pleasurable as it could be. Dr Duffy genuine caring about his patients . He was the best dentist I ever had.
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Paul and death used to have so much fun Banting back and forth with each other over the fence when we live next door to you such a great guy and such a wonderful dentist. Thank you Duffy for all the years. God bless you Sharon Chapman
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Paul and Duff used to have so much fun Banting back and forth over the fence when we live next door to you guys. Such a wonderful man and great dentist he will be missed by all of us especially you guys. Sharon Chapman
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Debbie, we send our love and our condolences. Duff (and you, of course) were nothing but kind, compassionate and always uplifting. We will miss him, but we have wonderful memories of him. RIP.
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I first met Duffy in 1980 when we lived in the same apartment complex. He was a force to be reckoned with from the very get-go, and brought so much joy to every get together. I was fortunate enough to be at his wedding to Debbie and saw how happy they both were. You will be missed Duffy, you left mark in this lifetime and you made a difference to many people. May you rest in peace. My condolences to Debbie and the entire family. May your happy memories help you through this very difficult time.
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Met Duff when my late husband was introduced to him…he became a friend, trusted dentist…enjoyed socializing with him & Deb….He is greatly missed….will be remembered fondly. Sincere sympathy to his family.
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While I only met Duff 10 years ago, he was larger than life in my eyes. So full of love and compassion, with the perfect mixture of grit. You will be missed my friend, but I look forward to seeing you again some day.
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Don’t forget that he was an excellent golfer. And he didn’t play much. If he hadn’t been such a wonderful dentist, dad, husband, and neighbor, he might have played professionally! He was a wonderful friend and dentist and I have a world of respect for him.
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Amazing Dentist and just wonderful man! He will be deeply missed by so many , Thank you for always being so kind❤️ be peaceful ❤️
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Sorry for your family’s loss. He will be missed.
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I met Duff when we coached against each other when our boys were playing little league. As it turns out, I got to know him even better when we coached the all star team together along with Mark Mills. We always had great visits every time our paths crossed. He always asked how my family was doing and I would ask how Deb and the boys were. He was so proud of his family. He will be greatly missed.
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Duff was a friend. I think enjoyed so much visiting with him at his practice. His joyful personality was unique. He gave you his full attention . He made you laugh and allow you to laugh at him. I will miss him dearly. My love to and condolences to the family. Duff was my friend and l loved him dearly.
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Debbie, My heartfelt condolences for the loss of Duff. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and may your happy memories help you through this difficult time ❤️
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I first met Duffy when he was 9 years old. I was dating his sister, Susie, and shared many family dinners where Duff told jokes and performed as if on stage. He was an altar server at our wedding. I considered him my third brother. His stage performer personality endured his entire life. I will miss him. I want to acknowledge his sister, Patti, who lovingly helped care for him the last several months of his life . . . they had a special bond, as well as his sister, Susie, who traveled many times from Chicago to be with him over his final months. Duffy’s memory will endure and he will be missed by his extended family in the Chicago area.
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Duff, what a sweet man. it is an honor to have met you. you will be missed. you will be remembered for many wonderful things.. thank you for all the love and care you gave others.
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My condolences to the entire family. I didn’t know Duff well, but I know that he was loved dearly. His sisters, Patti and Susie, shared much time and special moments with him these past months, hopefully giving them comfort in their grief. May his memory be a blessing.
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To my Buddy, my Friend, my Uncle D! We would often recite this quote together: “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting “WHAT A RIDE!”. It was an awesome ride working side by side with you at the dental office that you and my dad built. I love you Uncle D! -Brannon
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“The Duff” will forever be in our hearts. So many wonderful and fun times spent together in Flagstaff. We got through covid with drinks in hand and good neighbors all sitting six feet apart on our decks. And one on a ladder in his back yard. Bob sending you a special message Duff. Debbie and family we love you. Bob sending you a special message Duff. Debbie and family we love you all always and forever.
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I had the absolute pleasure of working with Dr. Duffy and loved his humor and personality. He always made me laugh with his silliness and dance moves. I am so honored that I had the chance to meet such a wonderful human being. He will be missed so much but I will hold my memories of him dear to my heart. My condolences to Debbie, Kyle and the rest will f the family. I love you guys and will be praying for you to find peace in this difficult time. Much love always ♥️
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DUFF will be missed by our family. He was a neighbor, a friend, and a blessing for us all. He was another Dad to our son John who was good friends with Ian. We met long ago when the boys were little and he was their basketball coach. He was always full of life and enthusiasm. We shall miss him. Bob and Claudia Banfield and family
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I only just found out about the passing. He was a wonderful man and funny guy. Debbie and family my sympathy. Duff RIP
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Man this one hits hard. I have so many great memories of Duff over the last 30 years or so. He really knew how to light up a room, and I was always delighted whenever I got to see him (even in the dental chair). I always got a chuckle when I showed up to a dentist appointment only to be asked for help with some computer problem afterward, just like he often did when I was a teenager hanging out at the Duffy house. Duff and Debbie always made their house such a warm, welcoming place to be, even for a bunch of dumb teenager boys. My condolences to Debbie, Ian, Kyle, Shaun, and the whole extended Duffy family. Much love to you all. ❤️
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Duff and Debbie were our neighbors when we were all beginning our careers and starting our families. We have such fond memories of those days and were the recipients of many acts of kindness from them. We were saddened to hear this news and want to send our love and prayers to the family.
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BJ and Sons, Offering our condolences during this time. Words can’t comfort you at this times, but reflecting on fond memories will help. Your Dad left a profound effect on all those whom knew him, I will cherish meeting him. Just knowing the bond you two shared, something to model and envy. You keep your head up. Know he was very proud of you.
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John and I are sorry to hear about Duff’s passing. I began seeing Dr. Duffy in the early 90’s. Hands down, the best dentist I’ve ever seen! But… he was so much more. Very professional, always smiling, very reassuring. “Keep doing what you’re doing Sue and eat more candy!” After years of calling him Dr. Duffy, he told me I could call him Duff. “That’s what all my friends call me.” That would be our last visit. Kyle, I see your dad in you. Thank you for sharing the loss of your dad. God bless and keep you all during the days ahead. Sue Dunn
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Deepest condolences to you all… I started seeing Duffy at 2 years old, and I still go to the same office at 43 years old, seeing Kyle. Duffy went to dental school with my Uncle at Northwestern. So when he opened a practice in AZ, my mom made Duffy our family dentist. The cardboard treasure chest was such a reward. His vibrant personality was remarkable. Twice a year visits were something to look forward to, hear stories, catch up. He radiated his good mood. Peace be with you- Eggs Benedict. (Cherie Benedict-Locatelli)
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I’m so sorry to hear about Duff he was a great , neighbor and friend. We played softball together for along time and I have lots of memories from that. Me being from Detroit gave us plenty of teasing back and forth about sports.