Roden Robinson Duff III

On Wednesday, August 7th Roden Robinson Duff III devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his daughters, granddaughter and son-in-law. He was 92 years old. 

Rod is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years Claire Duff, who passed away in March of 2024. He is survived by his six daughters Mary Claire, Susanne Ellen, Barbara Ann, Teresa Marie, Joan Frances and Margaret Catherine and brother John Duff. He is preceded in death by his parents Roden Robinson Duff Jr. and Lillian K. Duff, two grandchildren, Jonathan Loeffler and Danny Anderson, and one great grandchild Mary Katherine Helsel. 

Rod was born October 25th, 1931 in Omaha, Nebraska while his father was attending Creighton Medical School. The family moved to Chicago where he grew up and spent his youth. He then returned to Omaha to attend pharmacy school at Creighton where he met the love of his life Claire, a young southern lady from Louisiana taking summer school classes in chemistry. They wed on July 30th, 1955 in Alexandria, LA and resided in Chicago, where he worked for Walgreens which resulted in a 38-year career. They started a family having 5 daughters while living in Chicago and a sixth in Phoenix, AZ after moving there in April, 1963. 

Rod was a longstanding parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Parish. He was an active member of the church counting offertory donations for many years. He bought a house within walking distance of Catholic schools and church instilling in his children his deep sense of faith and devotion to God. Everyone that met him fell in love with his loving, caring, compassionate and sensitive nature. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was dedicated to family and an amazing role model. He loved fishing, golfing, watching all types of sports, but most of all enjoyed many wonderful years camping with his family and going on RV excursions with his wife after retirement. He enjoyed woodworking and tooling leather. He had a love of horses, riding and always had a dog by his side. 

Visitation will be held Monday, August 12th, 2024 from 5p.m.-7p.m. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85018. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will take place at 7p.m. at the conclusion of the visitation. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 13th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 4715 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85012, with interment immediately following at St. Francis Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th St. Phoenix, AZ 85008. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to High Country Humane Society at 11665 US 89 Flagstaff, AZ 86004.