Patrick Michael Duffin, 79, passed away in Pearland, Texas on January 6, 2025.  He was a resident of Kemah, Texas for over 50 years. Pat was born September 21,1945 to Francis Patrick Duffin and Betty Ann Jenkins in San Antonio, Texas.  He graduated from St. Mary’s University with a degree in math and science.  Pat was an engineer for NASA at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas for 38 years. His duties were command and telemetry in Mission Control Center (MCC), supporting notable missions such as Apollo 11, the first Lunar Landing and Apollo 13.  Pat also supported Skylab and Apollo-Soyuz programs.   Later his career turned to development of NASA’s Space Shuttle program.  This brought new challenges to enable MCC in Houston to support a spacecraft that launched as a rocket but landed like an airplane.  This work culminated in the Approach and Land tests and Space Shuttle development flights including STS-1.  Later, Pat was instrumental in MCC modernization efforts and the development of control rooms for NASA’s International Space Station program. 

 

Pat was an avid model railroader building award winning models.  He enjoyed putting together the many toys and gadgets enjoyed by his children and his grandchildren.  

 

For many years, Pat was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in League City where he enjoyed leading and participating in Bible Studies.

 

Pat is preceded in death by parents Francis Patrick and Betty Ann Duffin; Carol Jean Duffin, his wife of 57 years; sister Peggy Skinner; and brother Daniel Duffin.

 

He is survived by daughter Beth Scranton (Michael); son Paul Duffin (Catherine); sister-in-law Gail Heaslet; brother Dennis Duffin (Becky); and grandchildren Katy, Ryan, and Mark Scranton.

 

On Tuesday January 14th the visitation is at 9:00am, rosary at 9:30am and Mass at 10am at St. Helen Catholic Church 2209 Old Alvin Rd Pearland, Texas 77581.  Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery. Pall bearers are Dennis Duffin, Michael Scranton, Ryan Scranton, Mark Scranton, Michael Heaslet, and Jason Lentz.

 

The family wishes to thank Cathy LeBreck, his loving caregiver, and the staff at The Harbor Assisted Living Community for their care and compassion.