Michael M. Duffy
Editor’s note: South Beloit Mayor Mike Duffy, 68, died unexpectedly Friday, June 20. In a statement, city officials praised Duffy’s “lifetime commitment to public service” and said he served the city “with great distinction.” Following is the obituary for Duffy.
Michael M. Duffy, 68, Mayor of South Beloit, Ill., died unexpectedly Friday, June 20, 2014, in his home.
He was born April 10, 1946, in Pontiac, Ill., the son of Martin and Helen (Clark) Duffy. Michael was a graduate of Pontiac Township High School, Pontiac, Ill. He went on to receive his degrees from Illinois State University and the University of Illinois. Michael was a Vietnam veteran who served in the United States Air Force. He married Lori Olson-Coolidge on June 29, 2001, in St. Peter Catholic Church, South Beloit, Ill.
Michael was the former Superintendent of Schools for the South Beloit School District No. 320 and was currently the Superintendent of Schools for the Durand School District No. 322.
He was on the board of directors for Rock Energy Co-op and a board member of the Stateline Boys and Girls Club as well as many other organizations. Michael was also a member of the South Beloit American Legion Holtz-Hirst Post No. 288, South Beloit Businessman’s Association, Beloit 20/20 Club, Northern Illinois Rotary Club, Illinois Municipal League, Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce, Northern Illinois Mayors Association, Greater Rockford Economics Development Groups, South Beloit Health Advisory Committee, and Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife, Lori Duffy of South Beloit, Ill.; children, Erin (Michael) Duffy Jensen of Normal, Ill., Megan Duffy of Benson, Ill., Ryan Duffy of Rockford, Cyle Coolidge of Rockford, and Kelsey (Andrew) Mix of Grovetown, Ga.; granddaughter, McKenna Jensen; brother, Paul (Carol) Duffy of Dana, Ill.; sister, Ann Duffy of Rockford; sisters in law, Patty Duffy of Bloomington, Ill., and Lisa Kilmer of Verona, Wis.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, brother, Roger Duffy, and brother-in-law, Michael Kilmer.
A special tribute service in honor of Michael will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 25, followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 2222 Shopiere Road, Beloit, WI 53511. Visitation was Tuesday, June 24, with the family present in the South Beloit High School Auditorium. Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Road, Beloit, Wis., assisted the family with the arrangements.
Memorials may be given in Michael’s name toward a scholarship fund that will be established at a later date.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.daleymurphywisch.com.
From the June 25-July 1, 2014, issue