Alex Duffy: Young north Belfast man (21) remembered as being ‘fearless and funny’ with an ‘infectious laugh’

The funeral is due to take place of a young north Belfast man remembered as being “fearless and funny” with an “infectious laugh”.

Alex Duffy (21) from Cliftondene Gardens died on Sunday following a short illness.

He was a regular face at the People’s Kitchen on the Antrim Road, which described how they had lost a “beloved volunteer”.

In a tribute post on Facebook, it said Alex and his mother Linda and granny Rosaleen had been “at the heart of this charity since its early days as St Patrick’s Soup Kitchen”.

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“Alex was at the centre of everything,” the post said.

“Fearless and funny. He was first in the car when the PK was temporarily based at Writer’s Square, and first to put his name forward to volunteer at collections.

“He had an infectious laugh, and could belt out a song, (’Ireland’s Call’ got the treatment a lot!) and was the most wonderful company.

“Everyone who met Alex, left their encounter a better person, if only for a little while.

“The People’s Kitchen has lost someone beloved by all who met him and is the poorer for his passing.”

Alex was also part of the 174 Trust Young Adult Disability Project.

“We are devastated to inform you that our volunteer and superstar Alex Duffy has passed away peacefully with his family around him,” a post on social media said.

“The disability project will be closed until further notice.”

Cliftonville Bowling Club also said it was “saddened to hear of the passing of young Alex Duffy”.

“What a character who was loved by all who knew him,” the club said.

Requiem Mass for Alex is due to take place at Sacred Heart Church on Thursday at 11.30am followed by burial in Carnmoney Cemetery.

He is survived by his parents Linda and Patrick, brother Gary and family circle.