Obituary of John D. Duffy

John D. Duffy, 82 of Putnam, CT passed away December 12, 2010 peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family to join the angel squad waiting for him in heaven. He was born in Stoneham, MA on May 5, 1928, and grew up in Sturbridge, MA and graduated from Mary E. Wells High School, Southbridge, MA. He was the son of the late Harold and Jean (McGuire) Duffy. He leaves behind three sons: Michael Duffy of Gainesville, FL; Joseph Duffy of Putnam, CT; and his wife Elisha; Timothy Duffy and his wife Nonet of Kapaa, HI; one daughter Mary Schlehofer and her husband Glenn of Pomfret Center, CT; and stepdaughter Kim Ewing of Baltimore, MD; a sister Joan Gauthier of Port Orange, FL. He leaves behind grandchildren: Jessica Duffy; James Bartolomei, III and his wife Suzanne; Lesley Young and her husband Douglas; Amber Ewing; Timothy Jr., Patrick, Renie, and Sandy Duffy; Ashley and Samantha Duffy; and Amanda and Kirstin Martin. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren: Olivia and Emma; Alexa and Andrew. He is survived by nieces and nephews, and beloved lifelong friend and comrade Charles Mahoney. He was preceded in death by the love of his life and beautiful bride Irene Duffy; and two sons Thomas Duffy and John Duffy Jr.; brothers William Duffy, Emery Duffy, Raymond Duffy, and sisters Elizabeth Hayes, and Lillian Tutino. John loved his family, his country, his community, and all things Irish. He was an avid fan of the Red Sox, Patriots, Notre Dame Football, and UCONN Women's Basketball. He was a decorated soldier, and retired from the Air Force in 1972 as a Senior Master Sergeant having served two years in the Marine Corps, eight years in the Army, and 16 years in the Air Force. He served in World War II occupation forces in Japan and Germany. He was in the 2nd Infantry Division in the Korean War in 1951. As the United States transitioned out World War II, John was selected to work for General McArthur in Tokyo, Japan. John served at Bien Hoa Air Force Base in Vietnam. He received the Bronze Star for his service in combat from 1968 - 1969 while in Vietnam. He served his community in various organizations and positions. His memberships include: Albert J. Breault Veterans of Foreign Wars lifetime member Post 1523 where he served as Post Commander for three years and continued to serve as Post Adjutant for many years. It was with the VFW that he chaired the Ray Stevens Semi-Annual Dinner Dance for the Mentally Handicapped persons for many years. He was also a member of Post 67 American Legion, Air Force Sergeants Association, the Retired Enlisted Mens' Association, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America. Funeral Service, Saturday December 18, 2010 at 11:00 AM at the Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam, CT followed by burial in Munyan Cemetery, Putnam with Military Honors. Calling Hours Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please donate to: Veterans of Foreign Wars, National Headquarters, 406 West 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. Share a memory with his family "Light a Candle" at www.smithandwalkerfh.com