John Anthony Duffy

John Anthony Duffy (Jack), 92, of Waccabuc, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on January 4, 2025. Born on March 27, 1932, Jack was the beloved son of John and Mary Duffy. He grew up in the Bronx, NY, along with his three sisters, Marion, Ann Marie, and Eileen.

Jack graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in 1950 and soon after joined the Air Force during the Korean War. He then began working for US Bank before joining IBM in 1956, where he first worked in the research group and later transitioned to marketing. During this time, he met and fell in love with his future wife Ursula at a New York City dance hall, and they married in August of 1958. While working full-time at IBM, Jack also earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from NYU in 1971. He went on to earn an MBA from Iona College in 1975. Jack retired from the IBM Research Center in 1987.

In 1971 the family moved from Yorktown into their beloved home that Jack and Ursula built in Waccabuc. It was there that they became part of a close-knit neighborhood that included monthly bridge and poker games, holiday parades and parties, and the formation of lifelong friendships. The home in Waccabuc was also where they began their treasured annual tradition of hosting Thanksgiving dinner for their large extended group of family and friends, gatherings which often exceeded 50 guests. As the years went by and the two of them were well into their 80's and 90's, each year was going to be the "last", yet the tradition endured with the help of the extended family. A true lasting memory for all was Jack and Urs reclining in their chairs this past Thanksgiving, enjoying and participating in the family tradition of singing karaoke late into the night.

Jack took to retirement like a duck to water, never failing to remind his children that he retired at age 56 while they all still toiled well into their 60's. He was an infrequent golfer in retirement, whose exasperation with the game was matched only by his unique ability to always find a better lie. He was at his best at the festivities afterwards, holding court with a glass in his hand filled with a finger (or three) of Scotch. His joy at reaching the 19th hole was palpable.

Jack was a true New Yorker who brought a love of life to all who knew him. He was at his happiest being with family and friends, sharing stories, poking fun at everyone as well as himself, and being the life of the party. He will be missed by all who were lucky enough to be a part of his life.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Ursula, and their four children: Michael (Jennifer), Chuck (Susan), Joanne (Lance), and Sean (Mary Beth), as well as ten grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Eileen (Jim) Conroy, and predeceased by his sisters Ann Marie Ivers and Marion (Frank) Cohane. Jack also shared and received love and support from his large extended Irish-American family, including innumerable nieces, nephews, cousins, and second generation family.