Hamilton man who died of coronavirus remembered as ‘easy going’ family man
HAMILTON » Grant James Dufficy, a father of three and 22-year engineer at the Environmental Protection Agency in Philadelphia, died Tuesday from complications of coronavirus.
The 63-year-old, who lived in the Groveville section of the township, died at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Hamilton.
His daughter said in a Facebook tribute her father was simultaneously fighting off the flu and the coronavirus.
“Yesterday was the hardest and saddest day of my life,” Katie Dufficy wrote. “Not only did we lose a father and husband, but I lost my best friend truly one of the most amazing, laid back, go with the flow person who was full of knowledge and loved to give to the world. Never said no to any of us and gave us the world, so we never had to struggle.”
Dufficy was born in Trenton and lived in the township for years before returning to live in his family home in the Groveville section in the township, according to his obituary.
He was described as “easy-going” who enjoyed the company of friends and vacationing at the
Long Beach Island. Dufficy was employed at the EPA regional office in Philadelphia at the time of his death, his obituary said.
The township announced Wednesday its first death from the virus pandemic but did not identify Dufficy.
He was one of three deaths in the county, as the statewide death toll surged to 355.
A 63-year-old Trenton woman who lived at a nursing home in Plainsboro died this week. The woman had underlying conditions, like many of those most impacted by the virus.
The Front and Center Dance Studio, where daughter Callie attended, offered condolences and was taking up donations for the family.
Katie Dufficy called her father the “strongest person” she knew and her “guardian angel,” posting pictures of them together, along with other relatives.
She urged those not taking the pandemic seriously to stay home and practice social distancing.
“It breaks my heart your last couple days here was fighting this virus, but you were the strongest person out there, and I’ll always be your little girl,” she wrote. “You left 3 good legacies who will carry on your name in honor and great strength.”
Dufficy is survived by his wife, Ellen, son Maxx, his two daughters and many others.
The family planned to hold a private funeral service due to the pandemic with plans for a public memorial service at a later date, according to the obituary.
Relatives did not wish to talk about the pain of the loss while they’re grieving.