William “Billy” Duffy

William “Billy” Duffy, 84, of Scarborough, passed away at home on October 11, 2026. Born in Portland on May 8, 1942, he was the son of Frank “Hutch” and Helen (Murphy) Duffy.

Billy grew up in Portland on Munjoy Hill and graduated from Portland High School, where he met his high school sweetheart, Dorothy “Dottie” Murphy. He went on to attend Maine Maritime Academy, graduating in 1966. On June 11, 1966, he married Dottie, beginning a family that would become the center of his life.

Following graduation, Billy embarked on a long and distinguished career as an engineering merchant marine. For 40 years, from 1966 until his retirement in 2006, he sailed the world’s oceans as a chief engineer aboard tankers.  Billy’s work took him around the globe and gave him a lifetime of stories from the sea. He was a man of remarkable intelligence and resourcefulness, with a wealth of knowledge and experiences that he was always happy to share.

Billy was also an entrepreneur. Together, he and Dottie owned and operated the Old Orchard House and Hotel and the Bastille Lounge in Old Orchard Beach. He later owned Duffy’s Pancake Kitchen & Bakery on Free Street in Portland from 1978 to 1992. No matter what he was doing, Billy brought his sharp mind, quick wit, and unmistakable personality to the table.

Known to nearly everyone as Duff, Billy was a man who could fix just about anything. He had a gift for woodworking and had his own shop in the garage, where he built birdhouses, decks, and countless other projects.

An avid golfer, Billy also loved music, especially Irish music, and enjoyed singing. He was a history enthusiast and a man with an impressive memory for details. He could recall the smallest parts of a story and had a deep understanding of the world around him. Intelligent, well-read, and an exceptional storyteller.

Above all, Billy loved his family. He took great pride in his family and cherished his time with them. Whether he was sharing a story, making someone laugh, or simply being there, Billy made an impression on everyone he met. His influence reached well beyond his immediate family; even those who were not related to him often called him Granddad.

Billy was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dorothy “Dottie” Duffy; his parents, Frank “Hutch” and Helen Duffy; and his brothers, Bobby and Jack Duffy.

He is survived by his children: Suzan Potito and her husband, Ken; Kathy Pappas and her husband, John; Bill Duffy and his wife, Kristin; and Maureen Duffy; grandchildren, Alexia and her husband, Cody; Kali and her husband, Adam; Talia; Elizabeth; Nikko; Patrick; Kathryn; Mikey; Jack; Max; and Isla; and his great-grandchildren, Kitsis and Ella, who will be arriving in January.

Visiting hours will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, at Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 1024 Broadway, South Portland followed by a service at 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The United Way of Southern Maine.