Stephen Duffe
Stephen Frederick Duffe, aged 77, passed away on March 19, 2023 from complications of a heart attack suffered at the end of November last year. Steve was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Mary Duffe, and brother James. He is survived by his wife Marion Smith, brothers William and John, sisters-in-law Michele and Mary, nephews William, Jr., Robert II, Andrew and Cynthia, and grand niece and nephews Chelsea, Jonathan, Chaim, Mark, Declan, Patrick and Dermot.
He graduated from Christian Brothers College High School in 1963 and studied art for a year at Washington University. He joined VISTA (now AmeriCorps) where he was a community organizer in Manchester, NH and Providence, RI from 1965 to 1968. He then enrolled in the Rhode Island School of Design where he graduated in 1972. At RISD he met his life partner and wife Marion who graduated in architecture the same year. In 1980 they moved to St. Louis where they restored an historic firehouse as part of pioneering the revival of the Benton Park Neighborhood. He was a board member of the Benton Park Arts Council and President of the Benton Park Neighborhood Association. He was always supportive of friends and neighbors in need, and served as a board member of the Joint Neighborhood Ministries.
Steve was a painter who loved classical music, art, and world culture as expressed in his large collection of musical recordings and books, many of those gathered by hunting in local used and thrift stores. He frequently attended live performances by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Arianna String Quartet, and other performing arts groups. For many years Steve served as President of Sangeetha, an organization bringing Indian classical music to St. Louis.
He treasured walks in the Missouri Botanical Garden, visits to the St. Louis Art Museum, and shopping at Soulard Market. He loved cooking at home with his wife Marion in the large kitchen of their restored firehouse home, where they frequently entertained their many friends and family members.
A memorial celebration will be held Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
Engine House No. 1
2411 McNair Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri
Bring a story about Steve, an appetizer, drink or just yourself.
Contributions in Steve’s memory may be made to Arianna Arts Inc. ariannacmf.org or Gateway Housing First gatewayhousingfirst.org
So sad for the passing of Steve. Please accept my sympathy. What a creative soul who enjoyed sharing his interests with the younger Duffe generations.
Dear friend and neighbor has been sorely missed
We were so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. Marion is my cousin and we enjoyed visiting her and Steve a few years ago — very impressed with the comfort and unique aspect of the firehouse as home. Enjoyed exploring his large collection of music, feasting on the wonderful meals prepared and lively conversations. We will miss him and are holding Marion on our thoughts. Barby Morland
Steve was our neighbor for over 20 years. Steve and Marion were pioneers in renovating the fire house and the first to move into the area to revise the Benton Park neighborhood. Aways willing to lend a helping hand. We will miss seeing and talking with Steve. RIP Friend! Al and Cathy Schlueter