John F. Duffy, Sr. Life Story/obituary for online
John F. Duffy, Sr., 88, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, May 23, 2015. He was born (February 21, 1927) and raised in East Orange, New Jersey. Jack, as he was known throughout his life, joined the East Orange Fire Department in June, 1950. He started as a firefighter at Engine 4 and “worked his way up the ladder” to become Deputy Chief of Tour 4. He instituted the Emergency Medical Technicians in the City of East Orange. He attended Columbia University, Rutgers, the State University, American Red Cross and other institutions of education which enabled him to train fire department staff, as well as nursing staff working for the hospitals in the City of East Orange. He retired in June, 1985.
Jack proudly served his country when he joined the United States Navy in 1944 at the age of 17. He was stationed at Waldron Field, Corpus Christi, Texas, and achieved the rank of Aviation Ordinance Man, 3rd Class. He was Honorably Discharged in 1946.
After being discharged from the U.S. Navy, Jack resumed his education at Clifford J. Scott High School in East Orange, completed his final two years, in one year, and was graduated in 1947. Two years later Jack married his high school sweetheart, Betty Shellenberger, also of East Orange. Jack and Betty celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in January, 2015.
Upon retirement, Jack and Betty travelled cross-country, driving west through the northern part of the country, and east through the southern portion. They stayed in touch with their children by sending postcards from various cities, signed “Bonnie & Clyde.” Another dream was fulfilled when he purchased his boat. Living in Belmar, New Jersey at the time, Poppa-Jack enjoyed fishing with his children and grandchildren. Jack was loved by all who met him. He was always there to help out family, neighbors and friends, whenever called upon. One of his passions included gardening, and his appreciation of nature. But above all, Jack loved his wife, children and grandchildren with all of his heart.
Deputy Chief Duffy is survived by the love of his life, Betty, five devoted daughters, Colleen Young (Leonard) of Watchung, NJ, Lorraine Ricca (Robert) of Scotch Plains, NJ, Jean Ricca (Joseph) of Roselle Park ,NJ, Patricia Hofmann of Cedar Knolls, NJ, and Elizabeth Walzer (Robert) of Belmar, NJ; fourteen grandchildren (Michele Duffy Buckner, Joseph Ricca, Noelle Duffy Guarino, Joshua Ricca, Marc Ricca, George Duffy, Nicole-Marie Ricca, Kevin Hofmann, Jr., Daniele Hofmann, Stephanie Ricca Taeschler, Christina Young, Bobby Walzer, Shannon Walzer, and Stephanie LaFerriere); and ten great grandchildren (Christopher Buckner, Katherine Buckner, Jonathan Buckner, Faith Ricca, Noah Ricca, Annie-Kate Ricca, Lexia Guarino, Adalyn Guarino, Harrison Ricca, and Robert Taeschler). He was predeceased by two loving sons, John F. Duffy, Jr. and George M. Duffy, and his beloved son-in-law, Kevin R. Hofmann, Sr.
A mass will be celebrated 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 6, 2015 at St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church, 10851 Ridge Road, Seminole, FL . The family will receive friends at the church from 9:00 AM until service time. The service will conclude with Military Honors immediately following. The family will have a Celebration of Life in New Jersey at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made in Jack’s memory to the American Cancer Society, 4801 86th Ave, Pinellas Park, FL 33782.
Veterans Funeral Care
727-524-9202
The Duffy family. May god rest his beautiful soul. It was an honor to know him. I was privileged to be included in so many family functions . Thank you. Ellen and Anthony esposito
Uncle Jack will live forever in our hearts, as he showed us all what unconditional love meant. I have so many memories of visiting in Belmar and talking with Uncle Jack and Aunt Betty, at the dinner table, the front porch or walking those few blocks to the boardwalk. He was given the honor of being my Godfather by my father, Joseph Hofmann, but I feel truly blessed to hold that special place in his heart. Prayers for Aunt Betty and family, as they remember the love he showed all of us.
A great man – committed to family and community. Pop made the world a better place.
Praying for peace and comfort for your family during this difficult time. Jack was a wonderful man that will be remembered by everyone he touched during his honorable life.
He was the love of my life, my mentor and hero.
I’ve known Mr.Duffy since I was very young and he was one of the nicest and most loving men I have ever met. I have many fond memories of our families functions. My thoughts are with the entire family…I know how much he will be missed.
Bhí mé beannaithe go bhfuil tú do mo athair, daid, agus beidh mé a shealbhú i gcónaí leat gar i mo chroí .
Tá an oiread sin rudaí Tá mé buíoch do, agus is iad seo na jewels lómhar a mo chumhdach go gcasfar le chéile sinn arís.
Ní raibh mé riamh bhraith grá sin ag duine ar bith ar an Domhan ná ag tú féin agus do mháthair .
Dia d’anam, go deo.
Go dtí go gcasfar le chéile sinn arís
Grá go deo i Íosa ainm,
Colleen
I am so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. After my own father died, Jack was a wonderful father to me and grandfather to Michele (and then great-grandfather to Chris, Katherine and Johnny). His love for his family and kindness to everyone he met shone brightly always. God bless “Poppa Jack’s” family and give them strength during this difficult time.
Love,
Sharon
Lorraine and family,
My deepest condolences to you and your entire family. My prayers are with you.
The Allison family
To all the Duffy family, sincere condolences. Mr. Duffy was a kind neighbor and was held in high regard by all who knew him. Prayers go out to all the family at this sad time.