Gary J Duffey

GARY J. DUFFEY

It is with profound sadness that we say “I love you” and goodbye to our foundation of strength and love, Gary J. Duffey, who peacefully passed away to walk with God on March 6, 2026.  A loyal friend and tireless worker, Gary cherished his family and instilled in them, by example, the importance of hard work and resilience.  Having modest pride and an empathetic heart, he preferred to be in the stands or on the sidelines, allowing those around him to be warmed by the spotlight.  His silence often hid his keen mechanical mind.  He was our steady calm and port in every storm, always there and always welcoming.  His smile would melt the hardest moments, and he loved his family, friends, and customers the only way he could—completely.  He never turned from the character and integrity that formed his 72 years on this Earth.

Gary owned and operated Circle Hill Plumbing and Heating, toiling alone many long days and frigid nights to fix his loyal customers’ problems.  Effortlessly there at a moment’s notice even in the hardest of situations, Gary could fix anything that he could take apart.  His fix-it capabilities well-exceeded furnaces, electric, and plumbing and extended to small engines, appliances, automobiles, construction, and woodworking.  Gary endured injuries from pushing his body well beyond reasonable limits, yet he never complained about pain or unfair circumstances.  Devoted to his craft from the age of just 12 years old, his infinite repair knowledge will now be sorely missed by those of us who remain as he escapes his earthly struggles.

Gary is survived by the center of his life, Deborah (Crilley) Duffey; his loving children Heather (Daniel) Welbaum of Troy, Ohio and Travis (Alyssa) Duffey of Hilliard, Ohio; his six cherished grandchildren Abigail, Alaina, and Amanda Welbaum and Emma, Piper, and Grady Duffey; his brother Toby Duffey of Bradford, Ohio; his life-long friends George Sherry of Covington, Ohio and Tony Buchholtz of Greenville, Ohio; as well as many extended family members, friends, and customers.  Gary was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Marceda (Hodges) Duffey. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM Tuesday, March 10th, at Jackson-Sarver Funeral Home, 1 S. Main Street, Pleasant Hill, Ohio.  The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:30 AM Tuesday at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at www.lbda.org. 

Through tears and shattered hearts, we find solace in the strength of his spirit as we know he has been made whole again, overcoming perhaps the one and only challenge he could not solve while earthly bound.  We love you, Gary, Papa, Poppy, Pop….  I love you, Dad.

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