Heidi Kirk Duffy

Born in Lüneburg, Germany to Albert and Hildegard Kunkemöller, she emigrated to the U.S. when she married Chester H. Kirk, Jr. in 1968. She was a world traveler, visiting many countries across six continents, a sailor and golfer, and an avid gardener who treasured her rose garden. She cherished her family and took great pride in her children and grandchildren.

Heidi studied at L’ Alliance Francaise in Paris and the University of Münster, Germany, receiving her translator degree in German, English and French. She was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Rhode Island in 1995 for her role as a founding Co-chair of the Advisory Board of the University’s International Engineering Program (IEP) where she served as Advisory Council chairperson for 25 years. Her late husband, URI class of 1940, was a generous supporter of the University, donating the Chester H. Kirk Applied Engineering Laboratory. Heidi continued the family’s philanthropy with The Heidi Kirk Duffy Center for International Education, a living and learning house for IEP students on campus. For her contributions to the development of academic and economic interchanges between Germany and the United States, Heidi received the German government’s highest civilian award, the Bundesverdienstkreuz, Erster Klasse, (Federal Cross of Merit, First Class). At the German Foreign Ministry in Berlin, she was honored with a luncheon and presented a major financial gift for the IEP.

Heidi was passionate about education and the Arts. She was a long-time board member of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, serving as Chair from 1991-93 and receiving the President’s Award for her chairmanship of their capital campaign. She also received the Business Volunteers for the Arts Encore Award for her support of the Arts in Rhode Island. Heidi served on the Board of Advisors of the Georgetown University School of Languages and Linguistics. She was a past trustee of Providence College and co-chair of the College’s Dominic Hall Restoration committee.

Heidi was a member of the New York Yacht Club, the Everglades Club, Palm Beach, Lyford Cay Club, in Nassau, Bahamas; the Dunes Club in Narragansett, RI and past member of Point Judith Country Club.

She is survived by her devoted and caring husband of 25 years, David Duffy of Palm Beach, FL, daughters Christina Kramer (Raymond) of Palm Beach, FL and Nicole Webster of East Greenwich, RI; grandsons Raymond “Teddy” Kramer IV, Colin Kramer, Kirk Webster and Tate Webster; stepchildren Jennifer Duffy of Washington, D.C., Jonathan Duffy (Julie) and Jeremy Duffy (Julie) all of Barrington, R.I.; and step-grandchildren Megan O’Brien (Dan), Shannon Duffy, Bridget Duffy, Jackson Duffy and Griffin Duffy. Heidi was pre-deceased by her sister Ute Lucke of Kettwig, Germany.

A visitation will be held at Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home 142 Centerville Rd., Warwick, RI from 4pm-7pm on Tuesday November 19, 2024. Burial service will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the International Engineering Program, c/o URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement, 79 Upper College Road, Kingston, RI 02881.