John A. Duffy

John A. Duffy, 91, of Phoenix, Ariz., formerly of Vineland, N.J., died after an extended illness Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010. He was born in Philadelphia (Kensington), Pa., to James J. and Sarah Jane (Tafart) Duffy in November 1918. John spent most of his life in Vineland, where he moved as a child. He attended Sacred Heart School and graduated with the Class of 1938 from Vineland High School. John was employed by the NJ Telephone Company in Vineland and General Telephone in Los Angeles and Santa Maria. He retired in 1978 and 1984, respectively. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters. He witnessed the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay on Sept. 2, 1945. John is survived by his son, Theodore John Duffy (Darlene) of Phoenix; grandchildren Sheryl Ann Duffy Cooper (James) of San Jose, Calif., Dr. John Timothy Duffy (Andrea) of Salt Lake City, Utah, Holly Elisabeth Duffy and Heather Nicole Duffy of Los Angeles, Calif.; four great-grandchildren John Alexander Duffy II, Brittany Alexis (Duffy) Colvin, Meghan Elizabeth Duffy of Salt Lake City, and Sarah Ann Sanguinet of San Jose; as well as numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife of over 50 years, Betty (Howard) Duffy in 2001; his parents; and four siblings. Visitation will begin at noon Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010, at Messinger Mortuary, 8555 E. Pinnacle Peak Road in Scottsdale, Ariz, Interment and a graveside service will follow at Paradise Memorial Gardens, 9300 E. Shea Blvd., also in Scottsdale. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a memorial donation be made to the Alzheimer''s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington D.C. 20090-6011. Condolences may be sent to the family c/o Messinger Mortuary, 8555 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85255. Messinger Mortuary (480) 502-3378 Scottsdale, Ariz.