[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 24 (Monday, February 7, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING MICHAEL L. DUFFY

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to a very dear 
friend who was welcomed home to the Lord last month in Davenport, IA, 
surrounded by his loving family.
  Mike Duffy was a pillar in his community, church, and profession. A 
born leader, Mike never met a stranger. He leaves the world a better 
place, and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends, 
including this U.S. Senator. He graced his community and congregation 
with a larger than life presence. Mike wasn't born with a silver spoon 
in his mouth; he was born with a heart of gold.
  Mike grew up across the street from Sacred Heart Cathedral in 
Davenport. A soldier of Christ, he lived the sacraments and his 
Catholic faith in word and deed, practicing the Corporal Works of Mercy 
with humility and purpose. He was steeped in Catholic education, 
graduating from Sacred Heart Grade School, Assumption High School, and 
St. Ambrose University.
  When Mike was around age 11, I am guessing he went to confession to 
ask forgiveness for a little white lie. That is around the time Mike 
fibbed about his age to land a job as a paperboy for the Quad-City 
Times. From there, Mike's tireless work ethic grew from one year to the 
next. He soon joined the family business and never looked back.
  His parents, John and Eleanor, moved to the Quad Cities to pursue the 
American Dream. Here, they started a security business from scratch. 
These risk-taking entrepreneurs were among my earliest supporters in 
Scott County. Thanks to their support, they helped me gain a foothold 
among local Republicans. Ever since, I have worked hard to earn and 
grow grassroots support for my Senate campaigns in Scott County. I am 
grateful that support continued through the branches of the family tree 
with their son Mike.
  As I mentioned, Mike was a go-getter from the get-go. He worked his 
way up the ladder from the bottom rung, cleaning dog kennels. In high 
school and through college, he continued climbing the work ladder at 
the family business. He studied hard in school and learned as much from 
the School of Hard Knocks. He enjoyed people from all walks of life and 
treated everyone he encountered with respect and dignity.
  Mike was frugal with his hard-earned money and generous with those 
who needed it most. He was devout in his Catholic faith and devoted to 
his bride Linda, with whom he enjoyed 48-\1/2\ years of marital bliss. 
Their marriage was blessed with seven children: Brendon, Bridget, 
Brianna, Bradley, Brian, Bethany, and son Ben, who passed away a year 
to the day prior to his father's death.
  Through the decades, Mike and Linda grew the family business 
together. Mike wore many hats at the business, from dispatch 
supervisor, to alarm manager, vice president of operations, executive 
vice president, chief operating officer, president, and CEO. They grew 
the business into the largest family-owned, full-service security 
provider in the Midwest.
  His professional life also included work as a licensed private 
detective, holding U.S. Government Secret clearance. And still, Mike 
had more to give beyond the workplace. An indefatigable civic leader, 
Mike served on a slew of boards and committees, including alumni 
president of St. Ambrose University, the Davenport Chamber of Commerce, 
the Handicapped Development Center, and more.
  His civic engagement made room for politics, as well. Throughout his 
life, he supported conservative causes, championing pro-life and 
Catholic education.
  Our paths crossed countless times through the years. Barbara and I 
very much enjoyed our decades-long friendship. Mike and Linda's 
hospitality was second to none. Some years ago, the Duffys opened up 
their home to me for an overnight visit. As it happens, I spend a lot 
of nights on the road over the years for my 99 county meetings. It is a 
treat to skip the hotel and be invited to stay in someone's home. It 
was an even bigger treat to spend time discussing current events and 
politics with Mike Duffy. On this particular visit, there was a bit of 
excitement underfoot at the bustling Duffy household. The family was 
making room for another addition, a duckling hatched the night of my 
sleepover. So, naturally, Mike and the kids named the duck ``Chuck.''
  Suffice it to say, I am going to miss his sense of humor.
  Barbara and I send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Duffy 
family, including 31 grandchildren. May his legacy of service and 
citizenship continue to live on his community and through the growing 
branches of the Duffy family tree. And may my brother in Christ rest in 
eternal Happiness, joyfully in the arms of our Lord in everlasting 
life.

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