09/17/2026
A message I never wanted to have to write. From, Trina.
Oh, Duff. My little brother. My only brother. Honestly, he sometimes felt more like a son to me. I don’t even know where to begin because there are just so many memories, and somehow every one of them comes with a laugh or a smile because he was such a goofball.
He was funny. He was ornery. And I mean really ornery! Like the time he put a raw turkey neck down the front of his pants on Thanksgiving and ran through our house screaming, acting like he had gotten his “man tool” caught in his zipper. That kind of ornery. That was my little brother.
I still think about the little boy who showed up at my doorstep during school because he wanted to spend the day with me. I had to put him in the car and take him back! As much as I would have loved for him to stay and spend the day with me, he had to learn that he couldn’t just sneak out of school to come hang out with his big sister, even if that is what we both wanted. And yes, he did come back after school was over!
He always had a joke, and he almost always had that never ending smile on his face. We would send each other such stupid videos on messenger, but they were funny! We’d laugh and laugh. That’s who Duff is. He is a man full of nothing but love, giggles, selflessness, and kindness. Everyone who knows him would agree.
I can’t tell you how many voicemails I have from him that say the exact same thing: “Hey, it’s me. Give me a call back!” And I saved all of them. Hearing his voice brings so many emotions.
Duff is a true Christian. He was not someone who just showed up at church. He lived his faith. He showed people what he believed through his actions. He taught by example. He would help anyone, anytime, without hesitation and expect nothing in return. He is caring. He is loving. He is giving. He is just a good man. There is no other way to put it.
I’m not sure how to navigate my world without my little brother in it. I’m not sure I will ever understand how someone who was such a big part of my life can suddenly be gone.
Our family lost a very special man, and our community lost a man who made a huge and wonderful difference in the lives of so many. We lost a father, a husband, a grandpa, a brother, an uncle, a friend, and one hell of a man.
Please keep Amanda, Megan, Morgan, and his three grandchildren in your prayers. Please pray for our entire family as we try to figure out how to move forward with such a wonderful part of our lives now in Heaven instead of here with us.
I love you, Duff Ree. I’ll miss you more than words could ever explain, but I know I’ll see you again. Your laugh will lead me right to you!
Celebrate the life of Duff Mahoney and join others in sharing memories, stories, and condolences.
