Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Gerard Duffy Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Peyton Rich
September 21, 2021
Hello, I am very pleased on how I got Gerard Duffy for my Fallen Heroes Project for school. All my hopes goes to the Duffy Family. Have a terrific weekend
Deb Zaun
September 9, 2021
Thinking of you extra today, the twentieth year after! I miss our talks. Forever in my Heart
Love Debi
Cindy Roe
September 8, 2021
Remembering Gerard on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Brian Lange
September 16, 2020
I'm honor to walk in the 2020 CNY Stairclimb in your name. Thank You for your service and bravery!
Never Forget
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Demi Stewart
September 13, 2020
I was Honored to run in the Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 Hero’s Run at River Legacy Park in Arlington Texas.
In Remembrance of Gerald Duffy.... Ladder 21 NYFD.
Thank You for the Honor to do so Tara Salerno.
Alex Lai
June 9, 2019
You did not die in vain, but your will to rescue other people from the WTC infernos is commendable. I send my condolences to your loved ones who lives are forever changed by September 11th. RIP...
Barry Krupp
September 11, 2018
Jerry would come to my house on his days off.. I would take him to a secret fishing place on the North Shore. We did this often for several years. He became very good friends with my father and they used to take trips together upstate and of course go fishing. Few months have gone by and I didn't hear from Jerry. Then 8 months. I called him several times but he never replied. On the anniversary of 9 1 1 Newsday published and anniversary edition of the tragedy.. in it was photos of all the fireman that died in nine-one-one. I was going through it and came across this fellow that had a strange familiarity. I'd always known mr. Gerard as Jerry. The name on the photo was Gerard Duffy. After looking at it more closely I began to shake and cry. It was my best friend and fishing buddy. I felt cheated and not being able to be with his family and friends and celebrate his life. Like all people you think something like this would not happen to you
.. Godspeed Jerry
Howard Kalista and Family
September 10, 2018
Jerry we all miss you so much and speak of you often. You were such a Light in our lives. You always had a smile and blended right into our family. We all have such happy memories of you and Thank You for your ultimate sacrifice. Dad misses you terribly, you were his Best Friend. Love and Miss you Uncle Jerry. Never Forgotten. ❤
Krissy Karen Christine Lori & Howie
Ran a memorial 5K in Nashville (2017) with this pinned on. Eternally grateful for his sacrifice. God bless.
Stephanie Malaska
September 11, 2017
William DeRuyter
September 10, 2016
Thank You Jerry Duffy for your courage and kindness and honor .9/11/2016 .
sky
September 12, 2015
Still not forgotten
Charlie Tingle
September 11, 2015
9/11/15, Rest in peace old friend. I hope the fish are always biting.
Chris Jones
September 9, 2015
My name is Chris Jones and I am a proud volunteer fireman in southeastern CT. I wanted to leave a message for Gerard and his family that on sept 11 this year, I will be carrying his name with me while doing a goruck event in the city. A 12 hour ruck march to honor his memory and his 342 other brothers and sisters. While reading his story and laughing about his excitement when first learning he would be joining the FDNY, I couldn't help but think, "this guy is my kind of guy! I wish I could have served with him". I'm honored to carry his name with me not only for this years anniversary, but for the rest of my life.
Rest easy brother. Looking forward to meeting you some day on the fireground.
Theresa
June 19, 2015
OMG I was so sad about Gerard not having his final resting place. It always bothered me so. It seemed so unfair. But seeing this page and beautiful tributes I know he has the resting place now!!! How wonderful we can always see this and share! Thank you so much for these stories and memories!!
Christine Benson
May 3, 2015
Sending a prayer for families and friends of those lost. I was just watching a video of James Taylor and somebody in the audience held
a card for Gerard Duffy. So Gerard lives on through that music. May God Bless Gerard and May God Bless America
2013 race medal
Jeanne Nicole
September 14, 2014
My name is Jeanne and in 2013 I ran stairs in memory of the firefighters who died on 9/11. My fireman was Gerard Duffy. It was an honor to carry his photo on my neck as I climbed stairs next to men in 70 lb fire suits with oxygen tanks strapped to their backs. They all belong to a special class of people prepared to die to save the rest of us, and we are eternally grateful.
September 13, 2014
Hello my name is Julie O. I am from McAllen, Texas and tomorrow I will participate in our local 9/11 McAllen Memorial Stair Climb. Today I learned that I will be climbing for Mr.Gerard Duffy FF of Ladder 21. As I have researched information of him I am truly honored to be climbing for such and amazing and wonderful man.
September 11, 2014
Gerard Jerry Duffy . Never Forgotten .RIP Hero. INDY 2014 . Missing talking to you about the Indy Car races friend . Respect Bill DeRuyter
Kevin Steele
March 22, 2014
My name is Kevin Steele with the Rock Hill Fire Department in SC. I to was working on that tragic day. I ordered a copper memorial bracelet soon after and Gerard was the Firefighter on it. I have since then collected everything I can find from Hell's Kitchen Ladder 21 including a code 3 FDNY Ladder 21 diecast, many t-shirts, and patches. Gerard has always been a HUGE reminder to me about the ultimate sacrafice. I will always remember 343, and tell my sons, future firefighters, of the brave men like Gerard of what they did that day and to NEVER FORGET.
Indy Car Racing was your hobby.
William DeRuyter
September 11, 2013
God Bless you Gerard Duffy NYFD for showing me what a brave hero is .RIP
bob skelly
May 29, 2013
to gerard's family: my name is bob skelly,orininally from woodside queens. he and his brother Robert went fishing,played roller hockey,went to ranger games etc. what great times we had.....st.sebastians,bryant h.s...the ny worlds fair 1964-65. younger days better days. did he ever tell about the times we played ice hockey with some of the rangers??? gee,i even got to play pro hockey!! to his neice Theresa...he must have been a cool uncle!! if his family would like to hear more,just write or call me. I am so proud of him. with love bob
Mena Lodge
February 14, 2013
This is really freaky, my uncle is a retired firefighter in Prince Rupert, BRitish Columbia,,Canada, and his name is Gerard Duffy!!! Guess what??? they are the same age, my Gerard is now 61 years of age!!!! We are soooo sorry for the loss of a generous, caring person and wonderful hero!!, We would love to hear back from you if you're comfortable with that! I' ll keep watching this site for your reply.
Jesse Passmore
September 11, 2012
I participated in a 9/11 Memorial Stairclimb in honor of Mr. Duffy this last Saturday. We will always remember the sacrifices made that day by so many. God Bless You Brother!
Debbie
October 20, 2011
I live in Golden, CO and participated in the 9/11 stair climb at Red Rocks Amphitheatre commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Money raised goes to the Fallen Firefighters Fund. We were all given a sticker to wear with the name and photo of a firefighter lost on 9/11. My sticker was Gerard Duffy. RIP, Mr. Duffy, and thank you. To your family, I'm sorry for your loss.
M. D.
September 11, 2011
I would like to thank you for all you did on 9/11.
Jimmy Sweetman
September 11, 2011
Well Jerry, It's been 10 years and we think of you offten. Thanks again for being a good friend. Always in our prayers.
September 11, 2011
Jerry, it's been 10 yrs, I think of you often. I miss our friendship. I miss you. Rest in Peace..Your Friend Debi
William DeRuyter
September 10, 2011
Jerry Duffy its been 10 years now ,you would be Happy to know that the Indy Car Series has United and they are Racing under one unified open wheel series again . God Bless You and Keep You My Friend .
Margy Hogarty
September 7, 2011
In honor of Duffy I will teach tolerance to the children in my 3rd grade class. I will teach them about heroes and true courage. I will teach them to never forget.
KC Boutiette
September 7, 2011
I never met you but I wore a bracelet in your honor at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City while I was racing. I still have the bracelet and would love to give it to someone in the Duffy family. Thank you for what you've done for our country.
Una Tuna
April 21, 2011
Thank you.
Doug Abraham
June 20, 2009
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Bill DeRuyter
September 11, 2007
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
William DeRuyter
September 11, 2007
Six years today and your memory We will never forget,We honor you GOD BLESS.
Sky
September 11, 2007
We will never forget...
Terrence Duffy
November 27, 2006
I never got to meet Gerry, but I am proud to share his name, as well as his profession. I am sure he was one of FDNY's best. Five years have passed, and I still think of him, along with the FDNY brothers and sisters that were called together that tragic morning. I will always look up to and admire the true heros of the FDNY, that did not hesitate to carry out the job in the towers. I am confident God has a special place for Gerard in Heaven - right next to all his comrads.
Kristine
October 31, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
September 29, 2006
In remembrance....
Evelyn B
September 18, 2006
Thank you, Gerard, for your courage and bravery. We will never forget. God bless you all.
Sky
September 12, 2006
I never knew you... but today I thought of you. My roomates and I each picked a person to honor today and you were mine. I thank you and your family for your bravery and I know that many others feel the same way. I pray that your family gets some comfort from knowing that you are a hero and knowing that because of that heroism your name and spirit will live on.
In Him <><,
Sky
Peggy Studer
September 11, 2006
Hi Cous.
Jerry, It's been five years, and yet there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you.
I miss you terribly.
I'm sure you and my dad are watching over us.
Love you and miss you.
Cousin Peg
Bill DeRuyter
September 10, 2006
God Speed Jerry,
Its been Five years now and i still remember you everyday. Your courage,kindness, and big smile. Your enjoyment of the sport of Indy Car Racing we shared,thank you friend for all the conversations we had about racing. You Are A True American Hero, i am so glad i got to know you.God Bless you Sir and your Family. GOD SPEED FRIEND,I MISS YOU.
REGARDS
Bill DeRuyter
James Johnson
September 11, 2005
God Bless You...
Annamarie DelGiudice
September 20, 2004
This past 9/11 I found myself thinking about you all day. Even though I never knew you I can't help but still wonder about you ever since I got my mercy band 3 years ago. You are always in my prayers and I still wear my braclet. God Bless
CLARIE DACEY
September 11, 2003
JERRY, YOU WERE ONCE MARRIED TO MY SISTER AND PART OF OUR FAMILY FOR A VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. I WAS VERY YOUNG WHEN YOU WERE A PART OF OUR LIVES, BUT REMEMBER YOU AS BEING ONE OF THE KINDEST PEOPLE I KNOW. WHEN I FOUND OUT ABOUT YOUR BRAVERY AND THAT WE HAD LOST YOU, MY HEART WAS FILLED WITH SORROW. EVEN THOUGH I HAVE NOT SEEN YOU IN A VERY LONG TIME, I WILL STILL MISS YOU AND REMEMBER YOU FONDLY.
GOD BLESS YOU AND THANKS FOR BEING YOU.
David Argiro
February 24, 2003
I have a bracelet with your name. Thank you for the courage you showed on 9/11. It is for people that are strong like you that make this country proud every day! God bless you and your family. You are in our hearts and prayers!
Arlene & Howie Kalista & Family
September 30, 2002
Jerry-Always a special angel in heaven and on earth. You were & still are a very important part of our family & life. God took you too soon, but I guess he really needed you for the kind, gentle, understanding person you are. As Jake would say "now Uncle Jerry (my hero) you can now find Grampy & they can be together as a family up in heaven with all our other loved ones that we have lost, including Uncle Jerry's cat & Happy our dog." We will always have you in our hearts. Our hearts & prayers will alway be with your brothers & the rest of your family. We love you. God Speed.
Love Always,
Howie, Arlene, Christine, Jamie, Tyler, Lori, Krissy, Jake, Karen & the rest of our family.
Laura Tilbury
September 11, 2002
I wear a bracelet with Gerard Duffy's name on it. On this anniversary may God Bless you and your family.
Jimmy Sweetman
September 11, 2002
Well Jerry, its been a year now.
We still miss you and we will keep you in our prayers.
God bless you.
Jann Meas
September 9, 2002
I have your memory band.
Darian Lyons
September 9, 2002
Dear Duffy family:
I am a student at St. Pius X High School and i received a bracelet with Mr. Duffy's name on it. I will be wearing this bracelet until, at least, September 19 and will be remembering your family in my prayers. God Bless you and may the Lord bring you peace.
LISA IANNONE
September 6, 2002
DEAR DUFFY FAMILY,
GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY JERRY'S SPIRIT GUIDE YOU THROUGH LIFE WITH NOTHING BUT LOVE, PEACE, HAPPINESS AND NEVER ENDING FAITH.
donald courville
September 5, 2002
Dearest Duffy family,
My mother wears Gerard's name on her wrist as a tribute to his sacrifice. We thank you for giving yourself to this country, and we pray for your family as well as the rest of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Bible says, "Greater love has no man than this- that he lay down his life for his friends." How much more for strangers? I should stop now because tears and technology don't mix.
Melissa Eging
August 7, 2002
In late October, we got a puppy whose litter happened to be born on
Sept. 11, 2001. Not surprisingly, several of the puppies ended up going to some of the families of the victims in the NYC area (we lived in upstate NY at the time).
In attempting to honor our country and the many people who lost their lives, we wanted to name this lovable animal who happened to come to us from 9/11 an appropriate name. We came across Gerard Duffy on the internet and found it quite fitting. I've attached a picture of Duffy as a puppy, and although she's almost full grown now, she's still as energetic and lovable as ever!
Best Wishes to the Duffy family.
Marie Edwards
July 4, 2002
Thank God for you and all the New York City firemen who gave their lives to save others.
Debra Lutz
May 27, 2002
I might of not known you, but I'm proud to wear the bracelet with your name.May god bless your family, for you have sacificed yours for the people of New York.
Angie Campbell
April 25, 2002
**********God Bless You**********
PETER MCMAHON
March 21, 2002
UNCLE G,
YOU WERE A GREAT MAN I MISS YOU VERY MUCH .I WILL NEVER FORGET THE TIMES WE SHARED TOGETHER
susan ziade
March 16, 2002
He is at a better place and God has welcomed him with open arms. May God Bless his family and we know God blesses this wonderful brave man. love to his family
Lois van Meurs
March 11, 2002
I have been looking for your name ever since the attacks and have not seen it but when I watched the 9/11 show last night, I thought I saw your picture. Your family probably won't remember me - I worked with your wife Yolanda many years ago. I looked up your name today and I was saddened that it was actually your picture I did see last night. I remember when you actually became a fireman and heard many stories from Yolanda about all the food and cooking that you enjoyed. I remember she was very proud of you for being a fireman and you enjoyed being one and also I remember you loved fishing too. My heart is saddened to know now that you were there that day and I will keep you in my prayers. Thank you for your heroism and for all the years of on the job that you saved lives. You will not be forgotten. Sincerely, Lois van Meurs
Annamarie DelGiudice
February 6, 2002
Dear Duffy Family,
I do not know any of you, or Gerard and none of you know me; However, In December I ordered a Mercy Band and the name Gerard Duffy FDNY is engraved on it. When It arrived I printed out a little information from the Mercyband site about Gerard. Having seen his picture made me wonder about him and all of you. My deepest sympathy goes to all of you. I often wonder what kind of person Gerard was. I am sure he was kind and I am positive he was brave, if he wasn't then he would not have been a fireman. I wear my Mercy band everyday so that everyone who reads his name knows that Gerard Duffy was there. God bless all of you.
Sincerely,
Annamarie DelGiudice
January 12, 2002
DEAR LORD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON GERARD
DUFFY AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE WITH
GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS
FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS FIREMEN EVERYWHER..GOD BLESS AMERICA
AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01.AMEN
Kathryn Zufall
January 10, 2002
My heart is with you..... You'll always be in my prayers.... My mother was a Duffy..... They were a wonderful family, full of love and happiness... I do hope that we were related some way...
Teresa Jahn
January 4, 2002
We are deeply sorry for America's great loss of Gerard. We thank him for dedicating his life to others as a firefighter. Such dedication comes with a brave, warm and caring heart. May Gerard's courage, life and love live on in those who love him and in those who have been touched by his life. Our hearts cry deeply with you in America's loss of a hero.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
J Cherbonneau
December 25, 2001
Dear Gerard,
God Bless you and may you Rest In Peace with God! My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and the loved ones you left behind on September 11.
Heroes and Angels...so many lost! This is your first Christmas with God and your fellow Angels.
I have every faith that you are smiling down on your loved ones!
Fred Soulier
December 16, 2001
To the Duffy family,
The sudden and tragic loss of this brave "truckie" has had enormous impact on me. Duffy is a surname in my family too, involving 6 cousins raising families of their own in the Philadelphia area. All proud and Irish, just as you must be.
I feel that the spirit of Gerard has come to be with me as I continue on with my career as a firefighter here in Central Pennsylvania. I am honored to permit him to finish his career here with me and hope he can guide me in the performance of my duties since he must have been so strong and smart. My deepest sympathy to all of you and a promise to share your everlasting memory of such a brave Irishman.. Fred Soulier
Showing 1 - 67 of 67 results
Make a Donation
in Gerard Duffy's name
How to support Gerard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gerard Duffy's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored