Photo provided to the Times Observer Paula Bogart, chair of the Warren County Historical Society’s Membership and Volunteer Committee, presents Robert Duffy with the Society’s 2023 volunteer of the year award.

Robert Duffy has been recognized by the Warren County Historical Society as the organization’s 2023 Volunteer of the Year.

A 1960 graduate of Warren High School, Duffy served 24 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Lt. Col. in 1990.

He’s been married to his wife, Pat, for over 50 years and they reside along the Allegheny River where the Marconi Outing Club was once located.

“Bob has served on the board of directors since March of 2017, and served as the treasurer since 2019,” WCHS Managing Director Michelle Gray said. “He is always working to cut costs and improve the organization’s financial standing.”

Duffy was also part of a crew that replaced the lighting at the Wilder Museum from fluorescent to LEDs.

“That cost saving measure not only cut energy costs but improved the ambience of the Wilder Museum,” he said. “He continues to pursue a more economical path to providing energy to the Wilder Museum of Warren County History through utility companies, grant programs, electricians, Northwest Commission, etc. You name it, and he’s probably looked into it.”

Gray outlined how he’s also secured funding to replace copiers, funding printing of 10,000 Warren Historic District self-guided walking tour brochures and securing funds for additional intern hours.

“Bob keeps a close eye on the investment accounts, always working to improve the portfolio to better champion the historical society’s efforts in education and community service,” Gray said.

“He is a vested member of the organization and we are very lucky to have him as part of the team.”