Kevin Barnwell Duff

Kevin Barnwell Duff, age 83, of West Bloomfield, Michigan, passed away on June 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and the many memories of a life well lived. Born on April 20, 1943, in New York, New York, he was the beloved son of John and Mary Duff.

Kevin was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose life was marked by faith, kindness, and steady devotion to the people he loved. He is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Carolyn; his son, Christopher Kevin, and his wife, Caroline; and his three cherished grandchildren, Olivia, Sean, and Alexander. He also leaves behind his brother, Rev. Jack Duff; his sister, Jane and brother-in-law Daniel Forget; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Rosalie and S.M. Terry LaCorte; his sister-in-law, Diane Morrone; and many nieces and nephews who will remember him with affection.

Raised in the South Bronx, Kevin carried with him the grit, humor, and warmth of his New York roots throughout his life. He was a proud graduate and benefactor of Fordham Prep School in the Bronx, and he went on to graduate with highest honors from Iona College in New Rochelle, where he attended on a tennis scholarship. He later earned his MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson College, reflecting both his discipline and his commitment to lifelong learning.

Kevin built a respected career with General Motors Co. in Detroit, Michigan, where he retired after serving as Assistant Director of Pension Benefits. His work was characterized by diligence, integrity, and a genuine concern for others. Long before his professional career, he had already learned the value of hard work as a part-time vendor of beer at Yankee Stadium, an experience that remained one of the many colorful chapters of his early life. It was also during his younger years that he met the love of his life at the Jersey Shore in Spring Lake, New Jersey, a meeting that led to a marriage filled with companionship, devotion, and shared purpose. In 1979, Kevin and Carolyn moved to Michigan, where they raised their son and built a loving home.

Faith was central to Kevin’s life. He was a devout Catholic and a faithful parishioner and lector at Our Lady of Refuge R.C. Church in Orchard Lake, Michigan, and later at St. Agnes R.C. Church in Naples, Florida. He lived his beliefs quietly and consistently, offering encouragement, service, and a welcoming presence to those around him. His faith was not only spoken but practiced in the way he treated others, with patience, humility, and respect.

Kevin also had a lifelong love of tennis and could often be found on the courts, enjoying the game well into his 80s. His energy, spirit, and competitive nature were matched by his easy smile and friendly conversation. He enjoyed helping and talking with people, and he had a remarkable ability to make others feel seen and valued. After visiting a friend at Avow Hospice in Naples, he was deeply moved by the compassionate work being done there and chose to become a volunteer, where he brought comfort to families through his warmth, empathy, and natural people skills.

Those who knew Kevin will remember him as a kind, good human being. He was friendly and faith-filled, and he lived by the motto, “It’s nice to be nice.” That simple phrase reflected the way he approached life each day. He leaves behind a legacy of love, decency, and quiet generosity that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 9:15 am from the funeral home followed by a 10:00 am Mass at St. Philip the Apostle R.C. Church, 797 Valley Road, Clifton. Entombment to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Paterson. Please visit www.bizubquinlan.com to leave condolences to the family on the Tribute Wall section of the online obituary. 

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