Sam Jesena Duffy

Our hearts ache as we share the profound loss of a bigger than life young man, Sam Jesena Duffy. Sam was born in Austin, TX to parents, Denny and Mylene Duffy. He took his role as big brother to his two sisters, Alena (Aly) and Mya, very seriously by playing, teasing, loving and leading them from a very young age. He was a loving and fun big brother and the family’s pride and joy as their only son. Sam was a curious, intelligent and agile little boy, which served as a precursor to the young man he would later become. Mylene and Denny created a home full of immense, immeasurable love and daily adventure. Sam was destined to hike, run, swim, jump, bike ride and enjoy the outdoors with his family and friends. He was chosen as a favorite human by the family’s four-legged members, Max, Daisy and most recently, George. Sam spent countless hours playing with the dogs at home and at Commons Ford Park. Sam was described at a young age as a gentle giant and natural leader. He was quick and witty, creative, kind, charismatic, intelligent and driven to succeed in the classroom and on the field. Sam was an athlete, which is no surprise to anyone who knows his parents. As Sam matured, his innate physical gifts and stature provided the backdrop for remarkable success. He discovered Pop Warner football at a young age and with his dad by his side for support and encouragement he excelled in football, lacrosse and rugby. Once again, the descriptor of gentle giant became more prominent as Sam grew quickly in middle and high school, appearing to be larger than life in size and ambition and yet, quick to pick up his mom and sisters in all-encompassing bear hugs. He was quick to laugh (and to make others laugh), generous, caring and extremely loving to his family and friends. He was a momma’s boy in the very best sense of the word and devoted to making her smile and bringing her and his family joy.

As a student at Westlake High School Sam excelled academically, taking advanced classes and earning strong grades with ease, while fully committed to whichever sport was in season. Sam was a force to be reckoned with on the field at a whopping 6’2” and 255 pounds. As one of Westlake High School’s key defensive linemen, Sam proudly wore number 97 and collected 91 tackles, with 47 of those being solo tackles. Aside from tackles, Sam completed two quarterback sacs and two fumble recoveries, big plays that stand out as highlights in his high school football career. With his family cheering him on and never missing a single game, one of their favorite football memories is of Sam playing at the NGR Stadium in Houston to compete for the Class 6A, Division I, state title game. Even though WHS lost, Sam had a tremendous game and enjoyed every minute. Sam was all district honorable mention as a sophomore and first team as a junior. He was passionate about his relationships with his teammates and coaches. Sam truly had it all- a loving family, an abundance of good friends, great grades and significant athletic ability. He was committed to working hard in all areas and set his sights on academic and athletic scholarships and opportunities in college.

As those who know and love Sam and his family can attest, Sam’s dreams and aspirations took an unexpected turn when debilitating headaches and a series of unexplainable seizures struck. Suddenly, Sam began spending more time in the hospital than on the field or in school. On October 7, 2016 at just sixteen years old Sam was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Speaking, writing and completing his thoughts were no longer effortless. His physical strength and endurance were significantly compromised. Sam withheld the immense pain and challenges, trying to push through just as he had always done in school and in sports. Eventually, the disease forced him to create new pathways and new dreams at a very critical and pivotal time in his life. Denny, Mylene, Aly, Mya and an army of extended family members and friends surrounded Sam the last four years. Sam fought daily to regain skills, adapt to MS limitations and embrace a different life than the one he imagined. Sam was living independently and enrolled at Austin Community College with a 3.9 GPA. He had plans to attend Texas State University in the fall. Sam was grateful for the incredible support of his parents and others who joined in the fight against MS. Mylene, Denny and close friends created Team Duffy in Sam’s honor and have been participating annually in MS150 fundraising event. Sam was deeply saddened that he couldn’t ride the 150 miles from Houston to Austin with them, but proud and hopeful that their efforts would someday lead to a cure.

We believe Sam is finally at peace, his body strong and whole and perfect in every way. We are comforted by the thought of him being surrounded by loved ones who passed before him and those we will see again someday. It adds to the tragedy of the situation that we cannot be surrounded by our family and friends during this Covid-19 pandemic. A celebration of Sam’s life will be determined at a later date, when we can safely gather and embrace one another. The location, date and time of this event will be shared publicly once scheduled. A memorial plaque will be located at the Remembrance Gardens at Riverbend. Sam’s memorial plaque will be located next to the memorial plaque in honor of his paternal grandmother, Nancy J. Duffy at this site. Once completed and visitation permissible, family and friends will be invited to visit this beautiful location at their own leisure. Aly and Mya will be dedicating a memorial to their big brother at Commons Ford Park in honor of the time Sam spent there with his family and dogs, Max, Daisy and George. Donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis and specifically to the Duffy fundraising page, and/or future donations to the memorials to be held at a later date, would be appreciated. Above all, we ask that those who had the honor of loving Sam will continue to lift up Denny, Mylene, Aly and Mya in the days, weeks, months and years to come.

Please go to the "Donations" button on the obituary to view the memorial contributions.

The family also invites you to join a private Facebook Group, Team SAM for future updates.