Obituary of Patrick J Duffy

Patrick J. Duffy of Kingston, MA and Naples, FL, formerly of Pembroke and South Boston, died peacefully on August 21, 2023 after a courageous battle with a long illness, a week after his 81^st birthday. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years and childhood sweetheart, Jeanne (Hurley), and his five loving children Kathleen Kiley, and her husband John of Pembroke, Christene Hennessey and her husband James of Norwell, Karyn Anderson and her husband Shaun of Whitman, Patrick and his wife Kara of Holbrook, Sean and his wife Dana of Marshfield, his brother Daniel of York, ME, eight adoring grandchildren, and extended family members and loyal friends. He is predeceased by his father William, mother Agnes (Tracey), sister Agnes (Feulo), and brother William Jr.

Duff, as he was known to his friends, was born and raised in South Boston. He graduated from South Boston High School in 1962, and later attained his Bachelor of Science from Northeastern University in 1979. A proud veteran, he served his country during the Vietnam conflict in the United States Army, and then continued as a Naval Air Reservist for 20 years.  His public service continued as a patrolman with the Boston Police Department where he worked across the city of Boston, especially his beloved Southie. He retired in 2003 after 30 years of service.

After years of living in Dorchester, the Duffy family moved to Pembroke in 1973 where they forged many strong friendships based largely from their participation in Pembroke Youth Hockey, and other town and school sports. He was a past president of PYH and a longtime member of the Hilltop Athletic Association in Kingston. He was known for his wit, whether on the golf course or at a family gathering. At many an event he was known to break out into one of his favorite 50’s tunes, or his high school fight song. He was loved by many from Southie to Naples. His stories, songs and humor will be sorely missed.

The family is grateful the care provided by the nurses and physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston, especially Dr. Michael Curry, and hospice nurse, Kellie O’Brien from West River Hospice. Their support and guidance enabled Pat to be at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Family and friends are invited to honor Duff’s life at the Shepherd Funeral Home in Kingston from 2 to 6 pm on Sunday, August 27, 2023. A funeral mass will be celebrated Monday, August 28 at 10 am at Holy Family Church in Duxbury. Private internment will be at a later date at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne with US Military honors.  For obituary and guestbook please visit www.shepherdfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pembroke Soup Connection-Firehouse Pantry, PO Box 438, Pembroke, MA 02327, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org.