[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 204 (Thursday, December 14, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF JOSEPH ALLEN DUFFEL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 14, 2017

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
service of Joseph Allen Duffel, prominent Bay Area builder and real 
estate developer and resident of Orinda.
  Joe's sharp intellect and irreverent sense of humor were his 
signature traits. He founded Duffel Financial and Construction Company 
in 1954, which grew to become one of Northern California's most active 
real estate development and building firms. His love of family, 
reverence for education, strong work ethic, and drive led him to many 
successes throughout his life. He continued to work as the active CEO 
of the company to the very end.
  In addition to his career in building and development, Joe had a 
passion for politics. He ran for State Senator in 1966 against George 
Miller, Sr. That political involvement catapulted him into becoming the 
advance man for Ronald Reagan during his campaign for the presidency in 
1968. He personally advanced Reagan's appearances at the state 
delegations in most of the southern states. He later served as a 
delegate to four Republican conventions and was appointed by Governor 
Deukmejian to the California Transportation Commission where he served 
for 12 years after being reappointed by Deukmejian and Governor Pete 
Wilson.
  Joe was also proud to have served in many capacities in business, 
community, and local political organizations. He served as president of 
the Orinda Rotary Club, president of the Bay Area Mortgage Association, 
and president of the Homebuilders Association of Northern California 
(formerly known as the B.I.A., or Building Industry Association of 
which Joe was a founding member). He served on the board of directors 
for California Symphony, and was a 40-year active member of The Family, 
a San Francisco social and charitable club. Joe and his wife, Jackie 
were longtime members of the Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church.
  Joe was an inspiration and a friend. He was a stalwart in the Contra 
Costa community. He passed away on December 1, 2017 at the age of 94. 
Joe will be deeply missed.

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