John Duffy

OCALA, Fla. -- John P. Duffy died on Nov. 23, at his home in Ocala, Fla., surrounded by his family, after a lengthy battle with lung cancer.

John was born on March 9, 1944, in Fitchburg, and later moved to Westminster. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1961, and later, completed his education at Mount Wachusett Community College and Fitchburg State College.

John served in the Air Force and was a Vietnam veteran. He had a lifelong love for his country and an avid interest in politics. Professionally, John was highly regarded in the manufacturing industry, national laboratories and the Nuclear Energy Waste Containment Field. He was a member of the American Nuclear Society. He was a national player, working for more than 28 years at Ranor Inc. in Westminster, and retired from Ionic/GE as the sales and marketing manager. He moved to Ocala, Fla., in December 2004. John was an enthusiastic wood hobbyist, an avid golfer and a seasoned debator.

The pride and joy of John’s life was his family. John was a proud Irishman and member of the Duffy family and the Normandin family by marriage.

John leaves his wife of 43 years, Joan Duffy; daughter, Claire Haase of Ocala, Fla.; son, Stephen and his wife, Christina, of Bradenton, Fla.; three grandchildren, Shane Haase, Samantha Duffy and Katherine Duffy. Siblings include one sister, Ellen DiGeronimo of Fitchburg; two brothers, Stephen V. Duffy of Beverly and James Duffy of Fitchburg; as well as 10 Duffy nieces and nephews. John is also survived by his in-laws, Robert Sr. and Bella Normandin of Ocala, Fla. John was predeceased by his father, Stephen V. Duffy; mother, Catherine M. (Brazell) Duffy; stepmother, Claire D Duffy.

John was truly cherished by his family and friends.

May the road rise up to meet you,

may the wind be ever at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face

and the rain fall softly on your fields.

And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

--Irish Blessing

DUFFY -- The memorial services will be held at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 11 a.m. A visiting hour will precede the memorial service on Saturday from 10-11 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to Crocker Field Restoration Fund, C/O Fitchburg High School, 140 Arn-How Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420.