Robert E. "Bob" Duffney

Portsmouth - Robert Edward “Bob” Duffney, a Vietnam Veteran and recipient of four Purple Hearts, passed away while surrounded by loved ones on October 10, 2025 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Born to Henry and Helen Duffney on July 11, 1942 in Northampton, Massachusetts, Bob answered the call to service just before his 20th birthday in June 1962 just as the war began escalating in Southeast Asia. Months later, Bob found himself on the front lines of the war when his helicopter came under fire from enemy forces. He was able to return fire while wounded himself, allowing the pilot to land safely and help save the lives of fellow soldiers. In 1963, he again found himself in the face of danger. An incident in February saw Bob remain at his post under enemy fire, putting his personal safety on the line to keep his crew safe. Then in April of 1963, Bob’s helicopter was shot down near the city of Pleiku. He returned to the helicopter twice to retrieve wounded crew members, and a third time to retrieve weapons. Each time, he selflessly put his life on the line. For these three acts of bravery, he received the Flying Cross with V for Valor, the Bronze Star, and the Silver Star respectively. Later that year, President John F. Kennedy appointed Bob to the rank of Second Lieutenant. Bob continued to rise through the ranks of the military, reaching the rank of Major before he concluded his 13 years of service in 1973. Once back in the United States, Bob married his wife Julia Grondahl on April 23, 1977 in Plainfield, Connecticut. The couple spent the next 48 years together between Connecticut and Fort Meyers, Florida. The Duffneys always remained tight knit with their family which extended from Connecticut across New England in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Bob remained connected to the military through various veterans groups. He was a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion Post 274, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart in Florida, among many others. His involvement in veterans affairs remained quiet but should never go unnoticed. A visiting hour will be held from 11 am - 12 pm on Monday, December 1, 2025 at the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory in Hampton. The Hamptons American Legion Post 35 will be concluding with military funeral rites at 12 noon. A private burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. In lieu of flowers, Bob’s wife Julia asks you to thank a veteran for their service for the country.

Robert E. "Bob" Duffney

July 11, 1942 - October 10, 2025