Robert Duffy Obituary

Robert Joseph Duffy passed away peacefully in Wilton, CT on January 16, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born on September 26, 1940 in Cold Spring, New York and was raised in Katonah, New York. He lived a life defined by resilience, determination and an unwavering belief in making the most of every opportunity.

Bob developed an early passion for basketball and went on to excel at Colgate University, where he became an All-American standout and the school's all-time leading scorer, a record that stood for nearly two decades. He was selected in the second round of the 1962 NBA Draft and fulfilled his childhood dream by playing professional basketball for the St. Louis Hawks, New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons. After his playing career, Bob returned to Colgate as the head coach of the men's basketball team, becoming the youngest basketball coach in the country at the time of his appointment. He shared his love of the game and mentored young athletes during his three year tenure at Colgate University.

Bob redirected his drive and ambition into a distinguished career in media advertising sales. He bought Christal from Cox Communications and sold it to Katz Communications. He went on to found Duffy Broadcasting which grew into a successful group of seven radio stations across the country. His professional life was marked not only by business success, but by vision, perseverance, and the courage to begin again when paths changed.

Inspired by his own journey, Bob wrote an autobiography, Make It Happen, encouraging young people never to give up-even when dreams seem derailed. His message was simple and enduring: resilience and determination open new doors. He lived those words fully.

After retiring at age 43, Bob made his homes in both Carefree and Flagstaff, Arizona. In retirement, he remained actively engaged in his community and supported local health care initiatives, including serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Scottsdale Healthcare Foundation.

Bob also served on the Board of Trustees of the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, contributing to the preservation and celebration of American Indian art and culture. A lifelong lover of golf and giving back, He founded a charity golf classic to support The Heard Museum, The Annual Russ Lyon Heard Golf Classic. In its first ten years, under Bob's leadership, the Heard Golf Classic netted over $1million to support the Heard Museum. In 2002, he was nominated and won the Spirit of Philanthropy Award at the Heard Museum.

Bob is survived by his first wife, Sandra Nelson and his two daughters from that marriage, Kimberly A. Duffy and Julie A. Cromwell, whom he loved deeply and was immensely proud of them. He was a devoted grandfather to John Robert ("Jack") Cromwell and Erin Cromwell, who brought him great pride and joy.

In his final days, Bob was cared for with tenderness and dignity, surrounded by his loving daughters and grandchildren. He will be remembered not only for his accomplishments, but for his strength of character, perseverance, charismatic smile and the example he set for those to follow.

A private service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Bob's memory to support The Bluefield Project to Cure FTD, an organization dedicated to advancing research and finding a cure for frontotemporal dementia. Donations can be made at www.bluefieldproject.org.

Arrangments were made by Nutmeg State Cremation Society. Please call (203) 348-0443 with any questions regarding services.