Thomas Bernard Duffy
September 29, 1934 – September 4, 2021
Thomas Bernard Duffy, also known as "Brother" died peacefully on September 4, 2021 at his family home in Daly City, CA. His devotion and love to family, friends, AA and the Lord Jesus Christ never wavered.
Dad was born on 9/29/34 to Thomas and Julia Duffy in San Francisco and raised on Tara St. with his sister Kay. He attended St. Emydius Grammar School and Sacred Heart High School graduating in 1952. He was extremely proud to be an S.H. Alumni and to have had so many lifelong friendships, especially Robert Ford, while studying there. He served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1956 where he was stationed in Germany and his friendships continued to grow.
Dad is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Ann, his five children Bernard(Josey), Julie(Todd), Karen(Scott), Kevin, and Sean(Sherri). Plus eight grandchildren that he truly adored: Jeremiah(Jenn), Ana, Zachary, Jake, Ryan, Reese, Dylan and Shane and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dad married Mom on February 20, 1960 at Mission Dolores Church and that was the start of the Duffy Clan. Dad also started his plumbing apprenticeship with U.A. Local 38 in 1960. He completed his apprenticeship in 1965 and continued to work as a plumber. He was always helping friends and family with plumbing problems, never expecting to be paid just wanting to help a friend and maybe a hi-ball when the job was complete. In 1971 he joined his friend and brother in law Rudy Jasen and started work at the San Francisco Water Department. He loved the job and the people he worked with. From 1980 to 2000 Dad was the General Foreman at the SFWD Suburban Division in Millbrae. It was this period of his life that his personality and leadership flourished. He made many lifelong friendships and helped numerous people obtain good jobs. If you proved yourself to be good worker he would go above and beyond his means to help advance your career within the department. He wasn't, liked by all but he was loved by many. And that's the way it is babe.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Tom's life on Monday, September 13, 2021 at Holy Angels Church, 107 San Pedro Rd. D.C. CA. Viewing will be from 10:00 -10:30am. Mass will start at 10:30am. Reception to follow at SSF Elks Club.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Anthony's Dining Room or Catholic Worker House. Those are two organizations where our Dad did volunteer work with his buddy Al Dean during their retirement.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Sep. 8 to Sep. 12, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Duffy

Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.

13 Entries

stephanie angeli

September 2, 2024

great memories of Tom, cool guy.

stephanie

February 14, 2023

he was such a cool guy, I hadn't seen him in years, but thinking about him (we worked together) always puts a smile on my face.

stephanie Angeli

September 2, 2022

thinking about Tom right now, you just miss a guy like him, I hadn't seem him in years, but who could forget a guy like that? I know he is flying around with Art trying to bring the big main break in the sky in, Tom is saying," here we are on the wrong side of the grass", Art is saying "yep, but everyone else is one day closer to it! " How true Art! Wait for me I'm next!

Elizabeth (Paul) Moran

March 15, 2022

3/16/22 Dear Ann and family, We just heard of your loss of Mr. Duffy. I send my sincere condolences and prayers. I remember Mr. Duffy as such a funny and unique friend. He always called me Mrs. Moran and he made me laugh. He was a good friend of Paul's for many years. I send my condolences to to your dear children. I remember when Sean was my patient at Seton when he dropped the heavy sheet metal on his foot. He wouldn't let me give him a shot for pain. No needles. Take care of yourself Ann. I am living in the Sacramento valley. Paul died 11/8/17. We miss our dear Paul so much. Love and blessings from Elizabeth Moran and my son Steve+++

Jaime McCormack

September 17, 2021

I´m sorry for your loss. I´m sure my dad, Jim McCormack, was waiting to greet him at the gates.

Mark Xepoleas

September 16, 2021

I am so sorry to hear the passing of Mr. Duffy, even a 59 and can't call him Tom. :) Praying for comfort during this tough time. I will always remember his upbeat personality and his funny sense of humor.

Stacey Breslin

September 14, 2021

Dear Mrs. Duffy and family
I am so very sorry for your loss, such a strong loving man. That strength he showed in his life and his love, surround you and fill the huge sadness of saying goodbye.... for now.
Much love Gods peace
Stacey Breslin

Lance Contreras

September 12, 2021

My first interaction with Tom was in 1979 at the SFWD yard. I was a rookie apprentice building manifolds in the warehouse and he came in for something. He stopped, watched me for a bit and then showed me how to use my wrenches properly and "hold back" on pipe fittings in a very kind, fatherly way, not condescending at all. I knew from then on that his "rascally" exterior surrounded an enormous heart. I am grateful to have seen and chatted with him at several of the retirees' lunches before COVID hit. I am honored to have known you, Tom. God Bless.

Bernie & Bob Higgins

September 12, 2021

We are so sad to hear about Tom´s passing. Our condolences to the family. My husband and I were fortunate to know him and to work with him in Millbrae. What a great guy! May Tom rest in peace and may God give the family strength through these hard times. Sending lots of love and hugs.

Alan Dean

September 11, 2021

You are right Stephanie-he was a good man !
Always fun to be around - usually not dull either !
All the best to Ann and all of the family.
May time be a gentle healer !
And to all his old Water Dept. Gang ---
10-7 in the yard .
Al Dean

Harry & Patricia Glasser

September 10, 2021

Ann & Family,

We´re so sorry for your loss. Tom will always be remember as an amazing mentor to all of us growing up on Glenbrook Ave. His dedication to everyone in that neighborhood was unparalleled and although he´s passed, his memory will never be forgotten.

Rosie Horan

September 9, 2021

I was so sorry and sad to learn of Tom's passing. I extend my prayers and condolences to his family.

My first introduction to Tom was helping him, Bob, John (RIP), Frank and other dedicated men of the SH '52 Class celebrate their 50th reunion. It was quite the experience! The friendships in that class have remained solid throughout the years.
Sometimes on walks at Lake Merced, I would bump into Tom and chat for a half hour or so catching up on SHC, City news and topics of the day. Tom was a genuine man, salt of the earth and friend. I will miss those days when I walk out at the Lake and not see him with his floppy hat and greeting of, "Hey, kid, how's it going?"

stephanie angeli

September 8, 2021

very sad news about Tom, he is in my thoughts today, I was fortunate to have worked with him at CDD, as a matter of fact, he was my boss, one of the best!

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