October 20, 1957-February 9, 2026
Eric Towle Duff was born on October 20, 1957, to Janet Smith Duff and Edward Roy Duff. After a year-long illness, Eric died at home on February 9, 2026, surrounded by his husband, Rob, and family.
Eric graduated from Colby College and earned a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and a Master of Social Work from Columbia University. Ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church in 1986, he devoted his life to ministry and service. In Newark, New Jersey, he helped create and manage Apostles’ House, developing a wraparound shelter program for families experiencing homelessness. He was awarded recognition for his tireless dedication to the unhoused in a resolution adopted by the Newark City Council in 1988.
After moving to the North Coast of California, Eric served for sixteen years as rector of St. Alban’s Church in Humboldt County and later as Executive Director of Episcopal Community Services of Northern California. Other ministries included the Humboldt Interfaith Fellowship, cultural exchange trips to Honduras, creation of Camp Living Waters for youth, and a series of Sunday beach services – all of which he led with his former wife Betty Moore. Eric was instrumental in launching Arcata House Partnership to serve unhoused members of the community. In 2011, he was awarded recognition as a Humboldt Hero for having helped save a human life. In the later chapter of his professional life, Eric worked in private practice as a psychotherapist until his retirement in 2025.
In 2019, Eric fell in love with Robert (Rob) Peach, and together they made their home and built a life in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Surrounded by family and friends, they were joyfully married in 2024.
Eric found deep joy in the outdoors, travel, lifelong learning, singing and playing guitar, writing, painting, and skiing. He lovingly cared for his many canine companions over the years.
Family was central to Eric’s life. He was a devoted and present brother to Ben and Craig; cherished memories include Ben and Eric’s many backpacking adventures. Eric hosted lavish annual birthday celebrations for his niece Zara, stayed closely connected with his cousins, and took pride in researching and documenting the family’s history.
Eric was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Craig, and his stepdaughter April Conant. He is survived by his husband, Rob; his brother Benjamin Duff (Janet Neebe); his niece Zara Anderson (Justin); his stepmother Shirley Kelsey Duff; his former wife Betty Moore; his stepson Joseph (Beth); his grandchildren Carson and Chris; his cousins and extended family; and many dear friends.
Eric took the message of Jesus seriously –not as a theory, but as daily practice. A close friend once described him as the “hands and feet” of Christ. Those who knew him recognized this truth in the way he listened, welcomed, and walked beside people through difficult moments in their lives. The many lives he touched carry forward the light he offered so freely.
A Service and Celebration of Life will be held at St. Bede’s Episcopal Church in Santa Fe on Saturday April 25, 2026 at 4 p.m., with a home reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Bede’s Episcopal Church in Santa Fe or to Arcata House Partnership in Arcata, California.