Thomas “Tom” Duffy
Thomas “Tom” Duffy, 47 year veteran of The Philadelphia Inquirer, family man, environmental steward, and unequivocal “cool cat” died at home of natural causes on Thursday, November 16, 2017.
As a husband, father, brother, uncle, colleague, friend or stranger, Tom lived every day in a calm quiet and positively intentioned way. He was a role model for many as the humble, generous, funny, smart, easy going man who we all wish we could be a little more like.
Born in Philadelphia PA on April 3, 1929, Tom was the son of Thomas W. and Helen Roller Duffy. He graduated from West Catholic High School in 1947 where he lettered on the Crew Team and started as a messenger in the Inquirer mailroom. Tom attended Drexel University and then joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he served honorably at the rank of Sergeant until 1953. During his time in the Corps, Tom dated his future wife Anne, making the long drive between Cherry Point, North Carolina and Garden City, PA, a dedication that foretold his lifelong commitment to his beloved. Anne and Tom were married in 1952 in a double wedding with Tom’s brother Jack and Anne’s sister, Jane. In the last months of his life, the Duffy family recalled many an occasion where Anne would walk in the room and Tom would light up with a “hello gorgeous” greeting and big smile.
In addition to his wife of 65 years, Anne Simpkins Duffy, Tom is survived by his brother Joseph; four Duffy children: Tom, Beth, Susan and Maureen; four grandchildren; two great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who loved him like a father.
A visitation starting at 9am on Monday, November 20, will be followed by a 10:30am mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at 2130 Franklin Ave., Morton, PA 19070. A celebration luncheon will follow at the Springfield Country Club. Family and friends welcome.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Bayada Foundation, 4300 Haddonfield Rd., Pennsauken, NJ 08109, c/o Rob Ziccardi or online at www.networkforgood.org/donate/ then search for Bayada Foundation.
Online condolences: www.donohuefuneralhome.com