Richard H. “Duffy” Duffina, age 87, of Cisne, Illinois, passed away Monday, May 9, 2016, at Fairfield Memorial Hospital in Fairfield, Illinois.

   Duffy was born December 16, 1928, in Mooers, New York, the son of Emmett H. and Melvina (Willette) Duffina.  He was united in marriage to Ruth Ellen Draper on April 26, 1954, in Orange, Texas.

   Duffy enlisted as a member of the Army Air Corp, later transitioning to the U.S. Air Force where his career spanned 22 years, retiring as Senior Master Sergeant and Aerospace Defense Squad Leader.  His war experience included World War II, Korean War, and the Vietnam War.  Following his retirement from the Air Force, Duffy worked as an electrician at Spartan Manufacturing.  He was a member of the American Legion and V.F.W. of Flora, and enjoyed hunting, tending to a large garden, and loved being with his family.

   He is survived by his wife: Ruth Ellen Draper Duffina of Cisne; children: Patricia Kay Duffina, Betty Ann Shelton Tolliver (Ron) of Rushville, IN, Phyllis Lynn Moats (Terry) of Rinard, Dwight Richard Duffina (Landa) of Metarie, LA, and Janet Lee Beard (Randall Wieneke) of Fairfield; grandchildren: Ryan Shelton, Jody Shelton, Kyle Shelton, Chris Moats, Stacy Moats (J.R.) Highsmith, Michael (Cherish) Moats, Ellen Moats (Marvin) Lister, Daniel (Melissa) Duffina, Darriel Duffina, Leslie Duffina, Nancy Duffina Miller (Rick) Carpenter, Blake Duffina, Tiffany Beard, and Taylor Beard; great-grandchildren: Brittany, Cole, Dylan, Ashley, Jenna, Skylor, Isabella, Gabriella, Dominic, Steven, Darrele, Kylee, Melea, Kelby, Rikki, Chalin, Justice, and Delilah; along with several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and 9 siblings: Harry Duffina, Francis Duffina, Dora Nephew, Lewis Duffina, Ruth Hicks, Rita Magoon, Roger Duffina, Lawrence Duffina, and Lester Dermody.

   A visitation for Richard Duffina will be held 5-7 p.m. with military honors being presented at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11, 2016, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project and these will be accepted at the funeral home.