Raymond A. Duff, II

Raymond A. Duff, II, age 83, longtime resident of Northville, passed away on November 5, 2026, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. He was born on December 27, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan, son of Raymond and Ardis (Moran) Duff. Raymond was united in marriage to Sheryl G. Soroka on August 16, 1969, and they spent 57 years lovingly devoted to one another.

Ray graduated from Dearborn High School with the Class of 1961. After completing one year at the University of Detroit, Raymond enlisted in the United States Navy, where he was assigned to the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63). Based out of Miramar, he spent much of his service overseas, including time in the South China Sea and ports throughout Asia. Serving as an Aviation Electronics Technician, Raymond took great pride in his military service as a Viet Nam Veteran. He completed four and a half years of active duty, followed by six years in the Naval Reserve, before receiving his honorable discharge.

Following his military service, he continued his education at Eastern Michigan University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Dedicated to furthering his professional knowledge, he earned the prestigious Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation in 1984, after completing a rigorous program of coursework and examinations.

Ray enjoyed a successful career spanning more than 42 years in the commercial insurance industry. Specializing in loss control and workplace safety, he worked closely with MIOSHA and OSHA . He spent 25 years with Aetna, serving as a Loss Control Manager and Superintendent of the Engineering Unit within the commercial insurance division. He later held positions with Travelers, Citi, MTA, and MTM before retiring in 2012.

Ray was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Northville. He was also a member of VFW Post 4012 and Walled Lake Masonic Lodge #528, where he served as secretary. Additionally, he was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and an amateur ham radio operator. Raymond was dedicated to Scouting and spent many years volunteering alongside his two older sons. He began as a Cub Scout den leader when the boys were young and later served as Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 755. He remained actively involved in Scouting, supporting his sons and their friends as they worked toward earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

Ray was truly a jack of all trades and a master of most. There was very little he couldn’t fix, and he was always ready to tackle a new project and lend a helping hand to others. Whether working on cars or making home repairs, Ray had a natural ability to solve problems. He was especially skilled at restoring antique furniture, bringing pieces he and his wife discovered at antique shops back to their original beauty. A talented woodworker, he also enjoyed building custom furniture for family and friends.

Ray loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing with his son and grandson. He enjoyed many years of family camping up north near Sleeping Bear Dunes and spending “Sunday Fundays” on Wolverine Lake with family and friends. Ray also spent many hours working on and driving his beloved 1976 MGB, which he owned for 30 years. He and Sherry loved taking leisurely trips along quiet back roads, often with no particular destination in mind. He was also an avid MSU and Detroit Lions football fan, and he never missed an opportunity to tell fellow Lions fans that he attended their 1957 NFL Championship game in Briggs Stadium when he was sixteen years old.

In retirement, Ray and Sherry enjoyed escaping Michigan winters for the sunshine of St. Anastasia Island, Florida. While in Florida, they spent their days soaking up the sun, participating in water aerobics classes, visiting relatives and friends, and exploring local attractions and restaurants. Above all, Ray was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and uncle, who enjoyed spending time with those he loved and deriving happiness in life’s everyday moments. Ray will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Sherry Duff; his sons, Timothy (Abbey) Duff, Raymond Duff, III, and Mark (Kathy) Duff; his grandchildren, Wesley, Michael, Kyle, Alaina, Mark, and Alexa; his sister, Cheryl Duff; his nephews, John (Maria) Rogers, Gary (Sandra) Rogers, Gregory Rogers, and Jeff Chapman (Amy); his niece Tricia (Mike) Scholl; his cousins, Sandra Rogers, Karen Seguin, and Lynn Walters; and many great nieces and great nephews.

The visitation will be held Tuesday, November 17, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., instate at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Dr., Northville. He will be laid to rest at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 or Hillsdale College K-12 Education Program, 33 W. College St., Hillsdale, MI 49242.