Dennis Charles Duffey

Dennis C Duffey, 77, of Perrysburg Ohio, passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a courageous and hard fought 2 ½ year battle with lung cancer. Dennis was a presence larger than life and was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, “GG Papa”, and passionate labor leader.

After he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy, Dennis was accepted at IBEW Local 8 in 1968 and began a 50 year affiliation with the electrical union. Not one to sit and wait for things to happen, Dennis got involved in the IBEW. He served as a trustee to the Local 8 Health and Welfare Fund and the Local 8 Pension for 13 years beginning in 1983. He also served as a business agent recruiting new members and contractors for six years. He was elected President of Local 8 and served from 1983-1989. In 1992 he was elected Business Manager, running the daily operations of the Union, and served five consecutive terms until his retirement in 2007. He grew the union by 60% and implemented several new programs. Dennis initiated the IBEW-JATC School-to-Work program, helped develop the Ohio Institute of Fair Contracting, and developed, implemented, and incorporated the 1st Labor Management Cooperation Committee. He was elected President of the Northwestern Ohio Building Construction Trades Council from 1997-2007.

Dennis married his sweetheart Linda and together they welcomed 2 children, Rob and Tammy. After 38 years of marriage, Linda passed away in 2004 from complications from Lupus. Dennis was heartbroken. Dennis became interim Lucas County Treasurer in 2005 and on the very first day walked in to see this very pretty lady named Kathleen behind the counter. He was such a gentleman that the courtship began after he finished his term and his heart was full again. He and Kathleen were married in 2007. They combined their families and doted on all of their grandchildren. Dennis donated his salary as Interim Treasurer to Sals Pals, assisting in their fight against Cystic Fibrosis.

Dennis retired from Local 8 and the NWO Building Trades in 2007 and planned to golf and travel. Less than two years later, he was asked to run and was elected to be the Secretary/Treasurer of the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council in 2009. A devoted Democrat, Dennis realized that he had to work with both political parties in order to best serve the men and women of the construction industry. One to try new things and think outside the box, he created ACTOhio to work with and legislate with both political parties. After five decades in the building trades, Dennis retired in 2018.

Dennis was also very involved in the community. He served on the Board of the Directors of The Toledo Mud Hens and he was instrumental in bringing the stadium to downtown Toledo. He also served with The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, The AFL-CIO Executive Board, the Lucas County Democratic Party, the Lucas County Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, and many more.

Dennis was a friend of Bill W. for over 35 years and helped numerous men and women recover. His recovery helped shape the second half of his life…and to that, his family is grateful.

Dennis made an everlasting impression on this earth by making memories possible for others that may not have had the opportunity to do so. For example, Dennis made sure the Family House was stacked with needed necessities throughout the year. They loved his delivery of large quantities of toilet paper and personal items. He provided tickets to The Lights at the Zoo so that families would experience the beauty of Christmas. A season ticket holder and devout Ohio State fan, he took friends and family to the Shoe to enjoy OSU games. He always took someone different so as to let others enjoy the experience. His love and care were enormous when it came to his grandchildren. Even in his last days, he was making sure they were all set for successful futures before he left us.

Dennis and Kathleen were able to travel and enjoy their retirement. They planned trips with the grandchildren and enjoyed their time together. Dennis was able to golf and enjoy golf trips with his friends, although 400 miles of travel in one day for two rounds of golf seems a little excessive. He scored two holes-in-one over his lifetime (although one wasn’t witnessed but he did take a picture of it).

Kathleen had a surprise for Dennis when she talked him into purchasing this little Shih-tzu puppy named Molly. Molly filled his heart with unconditional love and their daily walks visiting the neighbors was something he truly enjoyed. Molly was by his side giving comfort right up to his last breath.

Kathleen was his caregiver and ultimate advocate during this 2 ½ year battle. She was bound and determined to grant his wish and care for him at home until the end. With the outstanding help of Hospice of NWO - particularly Valerie, and his two nurse-granddaughters, Abby and Allie, she cared for him 24/7 and granted him his wish. She will miss him dearly.

“There is nothing too good for the working man.” That was Dennis’s motto and he worked tirelessly to live up to that sentiment. He was a loving and caring man and the true definition of humility.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Linda, and his three siblings. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 17yrs Kathleen, son Robert (Brenda), daughter Tammy (Damon) Keller, stepdaughter Angela Carlozzi, and stepsons Rodney (Amy) Carlozzi and James Carlozzi. Left to cherish his memory are grandchildren, Brandon (Emilee) Duffey, Collin (Emily) Duffey, Jacob (Maddie) Keller, Zachary Keller, Abby Keller, Allison Duffey, Andrew Carlozzi, Sophia Carlozzi, Taylor Carlozzi, Alexa Carlozzi, and he was the GGpapa to Madelyn, Eliza, Cora Jo, Lincoln, and Laynee.

Friends and family will be welcomed at the visitation on Tuesday, July 23 at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave from 10:00 am-8:00 pm. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 24 at Hope Lutheran Church, 2201 Secor Rd, Toledo at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. A luncheon will be held at the church to enjoy food and share memories of Dennis.

Memorial contributions are suggested to be made to the Toledo Newsboys (www.toledonewsboys.org), a charity near and dear to Dennis. Please also consider Hospice of NWO (www.hospicenwo.org) whose help with Dennis’s care over the last 3 months was invaluable.