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Brian Duff Obituary
Honorable Brian Barnett Duff, age 85, of Wilmette, IL. Born September 15, 1930, Dallas, TX, son of the late Dr. Paul Harrington Duff and Frances Ellen Duff; brother of the late Paul (Mary), John (the late Estamarie), the late Ellen (the late Harlan) Pickering, the late Roderick (Kathleen), the late Kevin (Barbara), Elizabeth Murphy, the late Gerald, the late Sheila, and Brendan. Graduate of St. John's College Preparatory School (Danvers, Mass), University of Notre Dame, DePaul University College of Law. Survived by wife, Florence nee Buckley (married November 1953); children Ellen (Robert Hermanson), Brian (Nancy), Roderick (fiancée Jeanne Pluemer), Kevin (Julie), and Daniel (Mary); and grandchildren Paul and Mark Hermanson and Elizabeth, Patrick, Sarah, Thomas, Peter, Hannah, Grace, Andrew, and Maggie Duff. Commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy in 1953 and retired from the United States Naval Reserve in 1961. Served as a member of Illinois State Legislature (1971 to 1976), a judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County (1976 to 1985), and received his commission as judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in 1985. Doting uncle of dozens of nieces and nephews, and proud mentor to scores of lawyers and other friends. Visitation Sunday, February 28, 2016, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Monday, February 29, 2016, 9:15 a.m. from at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077 to Saint Francis Xavier Church, 524 9th Street, Wilmette, IL 60091, Mass 10:00 a.m. Interment All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Chicago Bar Foundation, 321 S. Plymouth Court, Chicago, IL 60604 or NorthShore Hospice, NorthShore Foundation, 1033 University Place, Suite 450, Evanston, IL 60201. Info: www.donnellanfuenral.com or (847)675-1990
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Memories and Condolences
for Brian Duff
Marilyn Sammarco
March 1, 2016
Ellen, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. It's always hard to lose a parent. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Marilyn Tomasko Sammarco ND/BP'77
Christopher and Mary Fogarty
February 29, 2016
Very sorry to learn of the passing of fellow Chicago Literary Club member Judge Brian Duff. Our condolences to Florence and family.
Gene Hull
February 28, 2016
Terri Hendricks
February 28, 2016
Florence and family, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Judge Duff. I enjoyed visiting with him the few times we were together. You have all been in my prayers. May God comfort you in your loss and in the coming days.
Terri Hendricks
February 28, 2016
Florence and family, I was sad to hear of Judge Duff's passing. I enjoyed visiting with him the few times we were together. You have all been in my prayers.
Steve Legatzke
February 28, 2016
Dear Duff Family;
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We hope the fond memories of Brian and the love and kindness of your faith, family and friends comfort you and lift your hearts. God Bless You all. In sympathy, Steve and Andrea Legatzke
Peter Sweeney
February 28, 2016
Ellen,
Sorry to hear about your father passing. An old time Wilmette resident will be missed.
Virginia (Ginger) Bishop
February 27, 2016
On behalf of the Notre Dame Class of 1977, Ellen's classmates, please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved father, grandfather, friend. May the Angels lead him into Paradise. May the God of comfort and mercy fill you with strength, and knowledge of his unending love for you. A candle will be lit at the Grotto at the University of Notre Dame in his memory. From ND `77 Class Secretary for the Class.
Cathy White
February 27, 2016
Dear Aunt Florence and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear about Uncle Brian's passing. I am glad that I was able to meet Uncle Brian, you and your family when Andy and I visited you years ago and at the family reunion. Thinking of you and your family at this time.
Charles Ebeling
February 27, 2016
Brian will be missed by his many close friends at the Chicago Literary Club, where he was a popular and welcome regular dinner companion for many years.
Greg and Kim Duff
February 27, 2016
Dear Aunt Florence and Family,
We have such fond memories of Uncle Brian and your wonderful family at family reunions and his visit to Durham. We are sending you our love and prayers. Greg and Kim
Tammy Stencil
February 27, 2016
Dear Florence,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time.Brian was a very kind sole, a friend to many, an uplifting smile with a wonderful sense of humor, a husband, father, grandfather. A person who meant something to so many around him. His hand shake meant something and when released, true and honest.
As this week will be very hard for many, and your hearts will be heavy with sadness, know I have said many prayers for all of you to get through this very difficult time.
May your heart & faith be strong as the presence of Brian is no longer here with you, the cherished memories of him still live in all of you.
For each hour of loneliness, I wish you a day of comfort. For each minute of grief, a year of peace; and for every tear a thousand reasons to smile.
May your heart and your faith be strong,I will keep you all in my prayers and be close by if you should ever need me. I am humbly blessed to have known the Honorable Brian Duff.
May your memories of yesterday, give you strength for tomorrow.
In the Wings of an Eagle
May God bless you & your family
Sincerely
Tammy Stencil
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Memorial Events
for Brian Duff
Feb
28
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Donnellan Family Funeral Services10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077
Feb
29
Funeral services provided by:
Donnellan Family Funeral Services10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077
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