Edward J. Duff

Mr. Edward J. Duff, age 85, formerly of Brentwood, NY, passed away on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at Phillips Manor Nursing Home. Edward was born into a working class neighborhood in the Bronx, NY on July 12, 1935 to the late James and Helen (Martin) Duff. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Mary T. (Dunlea) Duff; his daughters Rosemary and Catherine Duff; as well as his son Brian Duff.

It was in the Bronx that he developed his devout relationship with Jesus Christ. Edward lived as a Christian man in every aspect of his life; as a husband, father, brother, uncle, father-in-law, grandpa, co-worker and friend.

He impacted many people with his generosity of faith, time, presence and treasure. Edward believed that we walk with God when we serve His less fortunate brothers and sisters. He gave his compassionate spirit to so many.

One of the most profound stories our family heard this week was from a man who was searching for salvation while fighting his battle with addiction. He began when Edward first welcomed him into his home. While Edward’s children questioned their father’s choice, Edward taught him how to be at peace. While speaking with him, he told us, “Ed saved my life,” and proudly told us of how he’s been happily married for fourteen years and now has four young sons who he is raising as Catholic-Christians.

Later in life, Edward studied to become a Secular Franciscan and lived his life according to the teachings of St. Francis. It was Edward’s honor to be inducted as a Knight in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre in 2012.

He served his family and friends in so many ways, but none more significant than through his love of cooking and sharing a meal. He was a father and friend, but his most cherished role was as a grandfather. He loved nothing more than the time he spent with his four grandchildren, Brendan and Ryan Duff and Gerard and Joseph Connolly.

Edward you will be sorely missed, but we are comforted by the fact that you are at peace with your friend, Jesus!

Edward is survived by his sons John Duff and his wife Karen of Jensen Beach, FL and Gerard Duff of Lynn; his daughter Noreen Duff-Connolly and her husband Robert of Lynn, his grandchildren, many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend Edward’s visitation on Monday April 5, 2021 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple Street, Lynn. His funeral will be held from the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 6th at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral Mass in St. Pius V Church Lynn at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow on Wednesday April 7th in Queen of All Saints Cemetery, Central Islip, NY at 11:00 AM.

The family requests that no flowers be sent and donations in Ed’s memory may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o St. Pius V Church, 215 Maple Street, Lynn, MA 01904 or to the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land, P. O. Box 29086, Washington, DC 20017-9086.