Lt. Col. LeRoy M. Duffy, Ret.

Lt. Col. LeRoy Mitchell Duffy, (Ret.), 90, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, April 20, 2012. He was born in Aurora, Missouri on May 10, 1921 to Lema and Ora Belle Duffy and was raised in Fresno Ca. Recruited by the Oakland A’s baseball team, he opted for a life of public service by joining the United States Marine Corps.

In 1943 he entered navel aviator training program and in1945 received his aviator wings. In 1945 Leroy was commissioned a 2nd Lt with service in China and Guam as a naval aviator. During the Korean War he landed on Inchon as platoon leader and served until 1951.Further service sent him to Vietnam as Executive officer, 1st SP Bn and later as S-4 Special landing force aboard the USS Valley Forge.

LT Col Duffy’s decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V”, the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V”, the purple Heart with three stars, the Presidential Unit Citation with two stars, Korean Service Metal five stars and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with star. He was most proud of having the distinction of serving as a marine in the air, on land, and at sea.

Retiring after 30 yrs from the USMC, LeRoy continued his career as physical plant director at UNCC and Vice President of General Hydraulics. He was an avid volunteer and devoted his energies to the American Cancer Society, The American Red Cross and the Metrolina Association for the Blind. He was a member of the Hickory Grove Lion’s Club for 40 yrs. and held most leadership positions with that organization and was awarded the Melvin Jones Award. He was past president of the Retired Officers Club.

Mr. Duffy was preceded in death by a grandson, Stephen Patrick Duffy, Jr. and by his siblings, Loretta Harris, Vera Lamonica, Joe Duffy and Lois Smith. He is survived by his wife of 56 yrs, Weece Wood Duffy and three sons, Stephen Duffy (Teresa), Don Duffy (Laura Stanley) and Gary Duffy (Deana). Also surviving are three granddaughters, Renee Collins (Jay), Carson Duffy, Alexis Duffy and two great granddaughters, Carissa and Ilex Collins.

The family thanks the wonderful staff at Wilora Lakes Lodge as well as Hospice for giving his final days meaning and independence. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Metrolina Association of the Blind, 704 Louise Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 Attention: Phil Powell.

A service to honor Lt. Col LeRoy Duffy Rt. will be Monday, April 23 at McEwen Funeral Home, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte NC at 2 o’clock. The service will be conducted by Rev. Joan Watson. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.