Robert John “Bobby” Duff, 80, of Milton, formerly of Weymouth and Hanover, was born on Flag Day, June 14th, 1940 in Boston and was peacefully called home, surrounded by his loving family after a long and graceful battle with Parkinson’s disease, Tuesday July 21, 2020.

He is now reunited with his parents, Alice (Mackinnon) Duff and Edward Duff,  his brothers Joseph Mckinnon and Edward “Eddie” Duff, and his beloved sister, Virginia, “Ginny” Duff. He will be greatly missed by his wife and best friend of 48 years, Marie (Howley) Duff; his daughter, Erin Issel and her husband, Jerry of Carver; his daughter Katie Manning, her husband, Patrick and their children, Sophia and Georgia of Milton; his daughter, Kerry Walsh, her husband, Tommy and their children, Maggie, Norah, Erin and Delia of Milton; and his son, Michael Duff, his wife, Jenn and their children, Rocco, Ginny and Micky of Milton. He is also survived by his sister, Alice “Blondie” Doherty of Braintree; his sister Margaret “Peggy” Smith of NC; his brother William Duff and wife Leigh of Connecticut, as well as several nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, and many friends, including his former Co-workers at the telephone company in Boston, where he worked as a young lineman for “Ma Bell” and remained our favorite “telephone man” through many company changes and mergers. He eventually became one of the city’s few conduit inspectors. After 47 proud years he retired from what had become Verizon and was grateful to open the door for his son, Michael and son-in-law, Tommy, ushering a new generation of  Telephone Men. But if you had asked him, the thing that brought him the most  joy was his nine grandkids, who cherished him deeply and never grew tired of putting on their silliest “Papa face”.

Born and raised in Milton, he graduated from Cathedral High School and served in the US Army during the Vietnam Era.

Bobby was a skilled listener and he never seemed to judge you when you confided in him. He loved the stillness of dawn and was always up before you, making sure the cars were warm and the coffee was fresh. He was truly “dog’s best friend” to the many dogs and granddogs who were lucky enough to live within snack or scratch distance. He loved dancing at parties and singing Tina while he did the dishes. He loved the dry “Duff Witt” and seemed relieved he passed it on to all of his children. Bobby enjoyed travelling with Marie and in the last ten years vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard with the Manning family, He loved shrimp scampi, coffee with his kids and maybe just one more drink. He looked you square in the eye when he spoke to you. When he shook your hand you were respected and when he gave you a hug you were safe. His smile will be missed by all touched by its warmth. 

Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, Sunday July 26 from 4-8 PM. Funeral Mass private. Interment Milton Cemetery.

Donations made in lieu of flowers will be used to honor Papa’s favorite cause, The Milton Animal Shelter @ https://www.miltonanimalleague.org/donate