Loss and legacy: A tribute to Robert F. Duffy, MD
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD
May 28, 2025
Vol. 7, No. 21
Eulogy
Welcome everyone.
To Robby’s parents, Edyth and William, his partner Matt, brother Billy, sister Allie and her husband Kyle, cherished nephew Johnny, friends, and colleagues, thank you for granting me the honor of reflecting on the life of our beloved Dr. Robert Duffy, affectionately known as Robby.
Robby loved people and had an insatiable curiosity. As a youth, he was an Eagle Scout and competitive Irish dancer at Renaissance and Irish fairs. His interests ranged from cooking to gardening, planting herbs, hiking, yoga, and travel. Recently he convinced Edyth to get into what she called “this damned sourdough thing.”
Robby relentlessly learned about his family’s Irish, German, and Italian roots and was determined to develop relationships with distant family members. He was fluent in Italian and German and studied Greek in his spare time. Robby was a man of faith, appreciating the history and good in all denominations.
Robby knew that he wanted to be a physician from a young age. He was a volunteer EMT and heeded his parents’ advice about learning and respecting the vital role that everyone plays in a health care system.
I met Robby when he spearheaded the Dermatology Interest Group at the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. My first impression of Robby was that he was an amalgamation of exuberant energy and intellect, with a piercing curiosity about me. I recall wondering if his exalted enthusiasm was an act or if this was the honest Robert Duffy. Over the past decade, I can confirm that this demeanor characterized the real Robby.
When Robby decided to pursue dermatology as a career, we spent ample time together mapping his strategy for securing a coveted residency position. Fortunately, he was able to train with us after completing his cutaneous lymphoma research fellowship at Jefferson.
Robby was a unique resident. Usually, I need to remind dermatology residents that they should take a social history on patients, because it may be relevant to the presenting rash, such as knowing that a patient with hand eczema may be a florist. Obtaining a social history was NEVER a problem for Robby. I am convinced that he knew everyone in the 609 and 856 area codes and everything about them. I would be awestruck when he would tell me that the patient is the ex-girlfriend of the next-door neighbor of a second cousin once removed.
Once, Robby was in the room with a patient for what seemed like an inordinate amount of time. Concerned that something might be wrong, I entered the room and asked Robby and his patient if everything was okay. Both smiled, and Robby exclaimed, “I solved her problem — she now knows how to make a perfect souffle!” I said, “That’s great — did you solve her dermatologic problem?” To which he responded, “No, sorry, we haven't discussed that yet!”
We are proud that our program feels like a family. Robby and his co-resident Tara Jennings, MD, were like brother and sister. Robby told Edyth that his junior resident, Carlos Vieira, MD, was the “baby brother he never had.” I understand that sentiment because, professionally, I felt that Robby was the son I had never had.
After his residency, Robby decided to subspecialize in pediatric dermatology, because, as Edyth said, “he loved the kiddos.” Marissa Perman, MD, the chief pediatric dermatologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, told me, “We all loved Robby so much, and I am sure that everyone that worked in your office felt the same. He was an incredibly special person, a wonderful physician, and a shining light that we will all miss so much.”
We were delighted that Robby decided to join our practice and faculty after his fellowship. I would kvell (Yiddish for “burst with pride”) when I asked Robby to see a case with me, and he would confidently assess the case and offer sage advice.
People often ask me what qualities make an outstanding physician. If you have the intellect to get admitted into medical school — and Robby had that in spades — there are three other qualities in the recipe for success: worrying, curiosity, and compassion. Robby was a worrier, concerned that he was missing something that might alter the diagnosis or treatment. He wondered why patients had problems and how he could formulate their optimal treatment plan. Most importantly, he genuinely cared about his patients. He was relentless in assuring that his patients got the best care possible.
Robby confided in me that he wanted his career to be impactful. We discussed paths for academic success, and I am confident that he would have reached the highest heights. On a personal level, Robby relished in choosing his upcoming wedding venue with Matt and having their bid for a dream home accepted just days before his passing.
Ninety percent of my conversations with Robby began with “Hey Dr. H, I apologize, and I’m sorry to bother you. I have some stupid questions.” My standard response would always be, “Robby, there is nothing to apologize for, nothing to be sorry about, and there are no stupid questions.”
Now it's my turn. “Robby, I apologize, and I'm sorry to bother you. I have some stupid questions.” Do you know how much your colleagues and patients loved you? Do you know how much you have taught us in your brief time with us? Do you know how hard it is to reconcile that your passing makes no sense?
It will take a long time for each of us to process the loss of the enchanting Dr. Robert Duffy, making it fitting to find solace in the lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein’s “Some Enchanted Evening” from South Pacific:
Tell me who can explain it?
Who can tell you why?
Fools give you reasons
Wise men never try.
We may never understand why we needed to congregate today, but we can all recognize how Dr. Duffy’s brief life enhanced each of our lives. Robby, rest assured, the positive impact you bestowed upon us will last forever. Thank you.
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