David Edward Duffy

David Edward Duffy, 54, has passed away peacefully in his home on October 8, 2020, after a 4-year battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Johnna, his three children who were his pride and joy, Corinne, Deirdre, and Justin, and his three siblings, Lee Ann, Christopher, and Andrew. He is predeceased by his parents George and Alice Duffy. David was born in Teaneck, NJ, on April 10, 1966 (Easter Sunday), raised in Hackensack, NJ and attended Holy Trinity Grammar School. As he grew up, he was actively involved in Scouting (Troop 5) eventually attaining the highest rank: Eagle Scout, always an active member in his church (Holy Trinity of Hackensack), and found his love of hockey while playing goalie for the “Little Devils.” This love for hockey continued through his high school career (Bergen Catholic Class of ’84) and college, where he was the captain of Villanova’s hockey team. At Villanova (Class of ’88), he majored in Mechanical Engineering, was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), was awarded the Dean’s Award for Meritorious Service (exceptional service unselfishly provided to the College of Engineering) and along with meeting several life-long friends, he met the love of his life, Johnna. Throughout his career he worked for Moore Products, Miller Energy, and Koch Modular Process Systems.

Hockey was a huge part of David’s life. Not only did he play for his school teams, but while working in a pro-shop (O’Shea Sporting Goods) in high school, he was introduced to his lifelong team: Terminal Hockey Club (originally Low Tor Knights). He played goalie for them almost every Thursday night until his diagnosis, was inducted into their Hall of Fame, enjoyed an annual trip with a small group of Terminal brothers to Tupper Lake for a tournament, played for the last time ever during their Legend’s Game in summer 2019, and was honored with a namesake award that will continue in the future with the club.

He spent the last 28 years of his life living in Montvale, NJ with his adoring family. He was always dedicated to the community from coaching all of his children in various sports (MAL soccer, basketball, softball) to participating on the Recreation Committee. As his son Justin progressed through scouts, David (starting in 2006) was involved in leadership roles for both Cub Scout Pack 336, including becoming Cubmaster, and a Troop leader for Scout Troop 334 once Justin crossed over. He was always happy to be involved with his church community, Our Lady Mother of the Church (WCL, NJ), volunteering for Family Promise and the Christmas concert, being an usher and Eucharistic Minister during Mass, and even stepping in to be an Altar server when none were available. While all three of his children were in high school, they became a part of the Teens Against Cancer club, and after his diagnosis, David also became dedicated to the team by helping chaperone at the Relay for Life events and helping fundraise, even after his children graduated high school.

David’s family was the most important thing to him. He was always so proud of his children and was always there to support them, whether it be cheering and taking pictures from the sidelines, to helping with science homework, and while they were away at college, sending daily texts of encouragement and bitmojis. He loved introducing his children to little things like new music, but his favorite thing to show them was his second home: Cape Cod. David had spent his summers there since he was young, proposed to Johnna there, and made sure there was an annual trip every summer so his children could know more about him and his early life.

David was the most courageous person any of us knew, and his life brought light and laughter into so many others. Even when diagnosed, he never lost that about himself. His famous words from day one had been: “Never met a hockey player who didn’t know how to fight…even goalies.” David leaves behind countless devastated family, friends, teammates, and colleagues, who have lost their best friend, mentor, fan, motivator, and source of laughter. His love and commitment for family, friends, and God never wavered even in the darkest of moments over the last 4 years. He faced his diagnosis with no fears, telling Johnna it would be “my time, my terms.”

The Duffy Family thanks you for your support during this difficult time. The viewing service will take place at Our Lady Mother of the Church (209 Woodcliff Ave, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677) on Monday October 12, 2020 from 2pm-8pm and the Funeral Mass will be Tuesday October 13, 2020 11am. As a final selfless act, David and his family graciously request that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in David’s name to the American Cancer Society through Relay for Life, Loyola University (http://main.acsevents.org/goto/DUFFY40) or St. Jude’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tn 38105).