Thomas Duffey

Thomas "Tom" J. Duffey, age 93, passed away at home on Monday, July 31, 2023.

Tom was born on June 1, 1930 to the late Thomas and Virginia (Vandenberg) Duffey. Tom was united in marriage to Ann (Phyllis) Vanden Heuvel on October 7,1950. Together they raised 6 children.

Tom operated the family auto supply business for nearly 30 years. In September 1979 Tom and Ann's lives changed dramatically when they purchased the Seymour Times Press and took on the task of operating a small town weekly newspaper. Thanks to previous employees who were good and generous teachers, they succeeded in publishing the newspaper and a weekly shopper for ten years as well as operating a printing shop. Many other area residents helped them out through the years and they were well supported by local businesses.

In 1985 Tom and Ann, along with two local business partners, established the local cable television company which was subsequently sold to what was then known as Time Warner Cable. In 1992, Tom and Ann began living two lives, having purchased a condo in Fort Myers, Florida, spending six months there every year, continuing until 2015. During this period Tom served a long stint as condo association president. In this capacity, he was the peacemaker and a calming influence.

Tom was a man of many talents, and was skilled at card tricks, magic tricks, and juggling. While he never claimed to be a great athlete, he enjoyed many years of slow pitch softball, where he ranged the outfield with his long strides. He was also active in barbershop singing, community theater, and the creation of the Seymour Historical Society and the Home of the Hamburger. Further interests of Tom's were antique and rare book collecting. He will be fondly remembered as a family man who took care of his family.

Survivors include his children: Daniel K. (Linda), Oshkosh; Diane Loughlin, Worcester, MA; Tom (Cheri), Appleton; Dave, De Pere; John (Jenny), Dodgeville; Lisa (Tom) Molland, Sparta; grandchildren: Mike, Ruby (Paul), Marina, Emma (Sam), Liam (Sarah), Tom (Amy), Collin (Abby), Jeremy (Hannah), Miranda and Mason, great grandchildren: Malachi, Noah, Oriana, Ava, Sylvia, Vivian, Weston, Alena, and Wyatt, niece Jean Duffey, nephew Mike Duffey, and special cousin Jon (Sharon) Dyer, Mike (Nancy) Hallada, Barbara (Bob) Diskowski, and everyone at Duffey Cousins Connect.

Also surviving are Ann's birth relatives.

In addition to his parents, preceding him in death were his siblings Patrick Duffey and Staff Sgt. Daniel G. Duffey, sister-in-law Joan (Patrick) Duffey; his in-laws Tony and Madeline Vanden Heuvel; Ann's birth parents, Reuben and Verona Ott.

A memorial service for Tom will be held at Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, 358 S. Main Street on Tuesday August 8, 2023 at 12 Noon with Chaplain Judy Koeune-Brown officiating. Memorial visitation will be at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until the time of services. Private interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Tom's name.

Dad, grandpa, granpy...they don't make 'em like you anymore.

Online condolences may be expressed to Tom's family at www.muehlboettcher.com