Kenneth Eugene Duffin Jr.

KENNETH E. DUFFIN, JR. affectionately known as “Duff” or “Kenny” was born in Harrisburg, PA on October 28, 1951 to Constance B. Plater and the late Kenneth E. “Sonny” Duffin. He received his formal education in the Harrisburg School District and was a 1969 graduate of the former John Harris High School. He attended Antioch College, Penn State University, and Temple University. Kenny later decided to move to Rhode Island in the early 1990’s where he married Gayle Bordlemay.

Kenny worked in the mental health field as a counselor for many years – always striving to help someone break the cycle of addiction and depression. He received many accolades from the community and even his clients.

To his family, Kenny was our “Cool Dr. Phil” , always laid back yet telling us what we needed to hear. He was funny, knowledgeable, kind and a person who absolutely loved learning new things. He loved to travel; he was the ultimate connoisseur of wine. He loved to read all types of books, especially history and politics. He was a jazz enthusiast and he could certainly sing. (He was an original member of the “Simplifics” along with Scotty Watson, Michael Hester, Jimmy Dale, and Ed Hinton). 

Kenny never said no to a challenge, whether it be learning a new musical instrument, a different language, or learning an exotic culinary “treat.”  Kenny loved his family and looked forward to family gatherings always bringing his famous carrot cake. He enjoyed spending time with his friends, especially Norman Wilson.  He loved seeing his old high school and college friends too. He was the ultimate friendly guy.

On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, Kenny unexpectedly transitioned into eternal life in the Harrisburg Hospital.  Kenny had been ill for many years, but NEVER complained.  He had a smile and a kind word for everyone. He pushed through until God said, “No more my son, come with me.”

Kenny was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth “Sonny” Duffin, his sisters, Babara Plater, Nadine Duffin, Monica Ross and his brother, Kenneth Scott.  Kenny leaves to celebrate his life, his mother, Constance B. Plater, his daughter, Nariah Broadus (Chris); his sisters, Joyce McKay (Richard), Nicole Robinson (North Carolina), Wanda Holmes (New Jersey), Verna Archie (James) and Toni Green (Harrisburg). His brothers, Gilbert Duffin (Faye), Leonard Robinson, Napoleon Holmes and Darryl Moore and his devoted ex-wife and friend, Gayle Bordlemay, best friends, Ken Hoch, Darrell Brown and Norman Wilson, along with his nieces and nephews, cousins and friends from near and afar.  A special acknowledgement to his niece, Toyia E. Plater-Baltimore who was ALWAYS there for him even before he asked.