Gerard Francis Duffy

Gerard “Jerry” F. Duffy, 95, of Newark Valley, N.Y., passed away at home on February 24, 2026. A loyal son, brother, father, grandfather, and steadfast friend, Jerry will be remembered for his deep devotion to family, lifelong curiosity, undying optimism, subtle humor, and appreciation of nature.

Jerry was born on October 19, 1930, in Long Beach, New York, to William and Irene (Goulding) Duffy. He grew up in Island Park, Long Island, at a time when the area was still dotted with empty lots, marshes for duck hunting, bridle paths for riding, and tidal flats for clam digging. These formative years shaped his enduring love of the outdoors and provided stories he delighted in sharing throughout his life. He never completely lost his Long Island accent — a small but cherished reminder of where he began.

As a young man, Jerry worked a variety of jobs, including as a pinsetter at a local bowling alley and a busboy at a seafood restaurant. His devoted dog, Rex, was never far away. He ran on the track team at Oceanside High School and enjoyed music by Nat King Cole, Vaughn Monroe, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and others, often bringing his vinyl records to dances to provide entertainment. His fascination with farming led him to work on a friend’s farm in Minnesota, attend Farmingdale State College to study agriculture, and work at Governor Thomas Dewey’s farm in upstate New York. Even after becoming a teacher, he described himself as a “gentleman farmer.”

Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1951 to 1953. As a member of the 11th Airborne, he earned his “jump wings” at Fort Benning, Georgia, and completed winter training in Alaska before being stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. After returning to New York, he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1958 and a master’s degree in 1964 from Oneonta College. He went on to teach science in the Owego Apalachin Central School District from 1958 until his retirement in 1988. A dedicated educator and valued colleague, Jerry had a contagious love of learning. An avid reader, he remained endlessly curious about the world and encouraged generations of students to ask questions and look closely at the wonders of science and nature.

In 1961, Jerry moved to a farm in Newark Valley, where he balanced his teaching career with raising a family. Over the years, he kept cows, horses, chickens, and dogs, while hunting and fishing in his spare time. Retirement brought new adventures: trail riding and camping in Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness, flying to a remote Canadian lake to fish, traveling across the country on Amtrak, and hunting elk in Colorado.

Jerry valued friendship as one of life’s greatest gifts. From his boyhood friend Karl Pfeil of Island Park to dear companions in the Adirondacks and monthly breakfasts with former teaching colleagues, he remained loyal and connected. A regular at local diners in Newark Valley, he always looked forward to seeing familiar faces. Whether participating spiritedly in donkey basketball, the Owego-to-Nichols raft race, or a volleyball match, Jerry embraced life with humor and enthusiasm.

He enjoyed working with his hands, especially carving deer, ducks, and bears from wood. He created colorful, hand-painted duck decoys that reflected both his craftsmanship and knowledge about wildlife. He also built his own log cabin which was used to host several Thanksgiving dinners.

Jerry is survived by his former spouse, Phyllis Duffy; his son, Steven Duffy of Newark Valley; his daughters, Kathleen Taylor (John) of Delhi, New York, and Linda Duffy (Joe DuLong) of Golden, Colorado; his beloved grandchildren, Amelia, Alexander, and Annaliese Taylor, and Carina DuLong; and two nieces and three nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Raymond Duffy (Mary), and his sisters, Virginia Zanin (Anthony) and Joan Duffy.

He was a longtime member of St. John the Evangelist Church in Newark Valley. His family extends heartfelt thanks for the friendship of longtime Knapp Rd. neighbors, as well as Guthrie Lourdes Hospice nurses and aides for their compassionate care.

Jerry’s life was defined by steady loyalty, quiet generosity, intellectual curiosity, and a profound appreciation for the outdoors. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A celebration of his life will take place at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley, New York. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Stray Haven Humane Society (www.strayhavenspca.org).