James F. Luddy Jr.

James F. Luddy, Jr., age 86, of Swansea, passed away peacefully, Saturday, August 4, 2012 at his daughter’s residence in Dighton surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Evelyn (Smith) Luddy with whom he recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children; James F. Luddy III of Swansea, Elizabeth H. Codega of Berkley, Maureen E. Britland of Swansea, Kevin M. Luddy of Wellfleet, and Alison E. Makuch of Dighton, one brother; John Luddy of Fall River, twelve grandchildren, three step grandchildren, three great-grandchildren with one on the way, eight step great-grandchildren, and one great-great step grandchild. He was the uncle to many nieces and nephews and was a friend to all he met. He was brother of the late Anne Keefe.

Born in Fall River, a son of the late James F. Luddy Sr. and Grace (Costello) Luddy, he spent his youth in Fall River, was a graduate of St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Henry Lord Junior High, and B.M.C. Durfee High School, class of 1943. A Navy Veteran of World War II, he served on the destroyer, Mannert L. Abele DD 733, which was sunk in the East China Sea by a combination of kamakazi and baka bombs. After the service he returned back to Fall River and graduated from the Bradford Durfee Technical institute class of 1948.

Mr. Luddy was employed as a clerk in the Fall River Post office for 27 years. He was then transferred to the Providence Post Office where he worked for seven years until retiring in 1981 as the Injury Compensation Officer. He was the recipient of many awards while in both offices, including one for service as a member of the Swansea Bi-Centennial Commission.

After his retirement he and his wife Evelyn were the owners of Evelyn’s Dolling Studio, which primarily taught reproduction of antique porcelain dolls. As an amateur magician, he entertained his children with his magic show for many years.

An avid stamp collector he belonged to the American Philatelic Society. He was the winner of two awards for an article written about stamp collecting. He was a member of the Faith Fellowship Chapel, a life member of the D.A.V., the Swansea Council on Aging and was on the Board of Directors, the Bristol Elder Service also on the Board of Directors, the Thrift Shop at the Old White Church, the Swansea Historical society where he was past president and was their representative for the Historical Society and Cultural Assets Commission. He also volunteered at soup kitchens in the Fall River area.

Mr. Luddy was also an avid reader and ignited that passion in his children and grandchildren. He instilled a strong sense of Patriotism in his family.

His Funeral will be held Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at 10:00AM in the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE at BIRCHCREST 189 Gardners Neck Rd., Swansea. Relatives and friend invited. Visiting hours Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00PM. Contributions in his honor may be made to the Swansea Veteran’s Department 68 Stevens Rd., Swansea, MA 02777. Burial in Vinnicum Woods Cemetery, Swansea.