Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Charles Duffy Obituary
Rev. Brother Charles Peter Duffy C.F.C. passed away on January 12, 2012. Brother Duffy was born on September 28, 1931 in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Peter C. & Katherine Jennings Duffy. He is a graduate of Rice High School, Iona College, Fordham and Columbia University, with degrees in English, Guidance, Physical Education and Administration. Br. Duffy entered the congregation on June 29, 1949 and took his final vows on June 27, 1957. His ministry took him to many positions including those at Santa Maria Novitiate and St. Gabriel's Scholasticate in West Park, NY, Holy Cross and St. John's in Newfoundland, Catholic Memorial High School in Roxbury, MA, Rice High School in New York City, Blessed Sacrament High School in New Rochelle and for many years as a valued professor of management in the Hagan School of Business at Iona College in New Rochelle, NY. He also taught in eastern Europe and in China on several Fulbright grants. Br. Duffy is survived by his sister Rosemarie Cassidy. A wake will be held at St. Joseph Care Center, 30 Montgomery Circle, New Rochelle, NY on Sunday January 15 from 2 PM to 4 PM and from 7 PM to 9 PM. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Church, Mayflower Ave., New Rochelle, NY on Monday at 9:30 AM. Internment to follow at Christian Brothers Cemetery in West Park, NY.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Duffy
March 5, 2012
A friend of the family since I was in diapers. A great guy with a great sense of humor.
Nick Lenczewski
February 24, 2012
He taught at my first Maryknoll orientation in 2007. I could tell he loved teaching, and love China! I am very sorry to hear this, I will always remember him and continue to think of him.
Dawn Harrison Butler
February 14, 2012
What a blessed man, who in turn blessed so many of us. I taught with Br. Charles in Jiangmen, China for 5 weeks one summer. He was a positive force in our group; a diplomat, adviser, and role model.
When I first met him, I asked him what he did when he wasn't in China. He replied something about, "I own a university." For weeks, I could not figure out how a Brother could "own" a university, until I realized that he was referring to "Iona University." His booming laughter when I finally told him this was wonderful!
Br. Charles was a strong example of respect and dedication to his fellow teachers and to his students. He is one of the most remarkable people I have ever met.
Thank you, Charles. You will always be a light in my thoughts.
Maggie Fitzgerald
February 13, 2012
I wish I was able to articulate something worthy of describing someone like Br. Duffy. I am a better person for knowing him and I will miss him deeply. He was an amazing, inspirational and wonderful man.
I have taken great comfort from the CS Lewis quote - “You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body.” I'm thankful for the time I spent with him and I know he will live on in spirit, memory and inspiration.
Ken Treschitta
February 7, 2012
I am now 53 years old and run my own successful small business. Brother Charles Duffy was the best professor I had at Iona College more than 30 years ago.
As I study to improve my business and myself, I still remember the words and encouragement he gave me. To this day I remember him telling me Management is Planning, Organizing, Directing and Adjusting. His class was and is better than any book I have ever read.
I am better today because of the time I spent with him. I am sorry to his family for your loss, and personally I am deeply saddened. I will keep his picture on my computer as an inspiration.
Maybe God needed someone to motivate him a bit and he called up Brother Duffy to help get heaven in order
Tony Manning
January 24, 2012
I knew Br. Duffy at St. Bonaveenture's College in St. John's in the late fifties. He was a good man and a good teached. My condolences to his family and wonderful family of Christian Brothers to whom we at St. Bons owe so much. A group of us will have a lunch together in his honor on Fri. Jan. 27TH at Bally Haly Golf Club.
January 17, 2012
"Never refuse to help the people God put in your way." I miss you, dear Charles, and your words always encourage me to be the best of myself. Thank you for being the example of Jesus' followers and a true friend!
~ Ruth Li, Zhanjiang, China
Maretta McKenna
January 16, 2012
I had the privilege to work with Bro. Charles in China. He was always so supportive, encouraging, inspiring. He was a joy to work with and to know. He continued to be supportive when we both returned to the US. He will be greatly missed. My life has been enriched having known him.
January 16, 2012
I am one of the graduate students of St. Francis High School in Hr. Grace, Newfoundland. Canada, who was blessed in having Br. Duffy as a school Principal. While he did not instruct me in any particular course, what he taught me at St. Francis is immeasurable. Years ago my wife and I, along with a dear friend of Br. Duffy, Ged Blackmore, had the privilege of spending an evening with him in New York. It was a brief visit but enough time to remind me of how fortunate I was during my high school days and enough time for my wife, who met Br. Duffy for the first time, to experience the life-long effect that a great man can have on a person. We had hoped to meet with him again. That hope remains.
Francis and Rose Littlejohn
St. John's, NL
Canada
Denis Cassidy
January 16, 2012
Dear Aunt Rose & family,
Kristin and I send our most heartfelt condolences for the loss of Brother Charlie. I feel honored to have known him. He was a tremendous source of strength for me and my family at my Mom's wake and funeral, for which I will be eternally grateful. May he rest in peace.
Denis & Kristin Cassidy and family
Katie McCarney
January 15, 2012
I also had the great honor to teach in China with Br. Charles in 2005, and he was one of the kindest, most supportive, and most charming people I've had the opportunity to know. He approached every day with a sparkle in his eye, and had such a great love for his students and those around him. Charles, your goodness, enthusiasm, and wonderful personality will be greatly missed! May you rest in peace!
Kevin Clancy
January 15, 2012
It was a great honor to work with Br. Charles over several years in the Maryknoll China Service Program. He was a wonderful teacher, mentor, and friend - always inspiring everyone he encountered with his enthusiasm for life. Xie xie, Charles! Thank you for being our teacher! We will remember your lessons and your example.
Anna Sawin
January 15, 2012
I love that quote submitted on this page, "In life, do everything with enthusiasm." To that I would add, he did everything with a smile and genuine warmth. What a tremendous person and gift he was to our family and so many others around to the globe.
Linda Keuhl
January 15, 2012
Our hearts are saddened to hear the news of our friend's death but I am confident that the angels are rejoicing with him in his new home.
Kevin Di Palma
January 15, 2012
Always a smile. Always a kind word. Always a helping hand. Always made me feel better about my efforts. Always will be missed.
A true friend.
Mary Jane DiFiore
January 14, 2012
I had the pleasure of teaching with Br. Charles in China in the Spring 2009 semester. He was such a gentleman and scholar plus he provided a calming, peaceful atmosphere to me and other foreign teacher. He will be greatly missed by all. God Bless Br. Charles...
Vic Taylor
January 14, 2012
"In life, do everything with enthusiasm" Brother Charles Duffy China summer 2006.
January 14, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Brother Charles P. Duffy. He was a wonderful man who brought all who met him closer to Christ and to each other. He lives on in eternity, where we all hope to meet him when God calls us. Betty and Ed Morand
Brian Barrons
January 14, 2012
The Maryknoll Community in China is saddened by the news of the passing of our good friend and fellow Chinahand, Br.Charles Duffy. We remember his friendship and are thankful for the many contributions he made to the
Church in China. ????????!
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Make a Donation
in Charles Duffy's name
Memorial Events
for Charles Duffy
How to support Charles'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 Charles 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
