Obituary of James Edward Duffy

James Edward Duffy, 83 entered into the tender embrace of Jesus and Mary on Saturday, January 19, 2008 in his home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Newark, NJ on July 24, 1924, he lived in Newark until 1969 when he moved to North Plainfield, NJ. He is the cherished husband of Lillian Julia (Cisco), his childhood sweetheart, his best friend and his one true love to whom he was married for 58 years. He is the honored and treasured father of Julie Hope, James Alexander and Christina Faith. He was predeceased by his son, John Christopher in 2004. His grandchildren were the pride and light of his life. His granddaughter, Melissa Leigh Bortugno is currently a Holistic Counseling graduate student at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island the same town where he did his boot camp more than 60 years ago. His grandson, Sergeant Ivan James Duffy, 82nd Airborne and his wife, Sergeant Elana Duffy, US Army, are both currently serving in Iraq. Grandsons Sergeant Neil Joseph Duffy and Sergeant Thomas Christopher Duffy, US Marine Corps, were both recently honorably discharged. Jim and Lils house was the place of countless cherished memories, laughter and joy. A place where everyone felt welcomed and loved. Jim was a baker in the Navy and loved to prepare Navy Specials for everyone. He enjoyed sports, especially basketball, football and baseball. He was a great athlete, and in fact was invited to Spring Training by the New York Yankees; however, by then he was serving in the US Navy. He is a veteran of WWII having served proudly aboard the USS Block Island CVE 21. The fighting Block Island was torpedoed in the Mediterranean on May 29, 1944. It was the first time in Naval history that the entire surviving crew served on the newly constructed USS Block Island _ CVE 106. Medals and Ribbons include the European Theatre Operations 2 Battle Stars, Pacific Theatre Operations 2 Battle Stars, American Theatre Operations, the Philippine Liberation Medal and the Victory Medal. Jim is an Individual Honoree on the World War II Memorial Wall as well as a Survivor of the USS Block Island Honoree on the World War II Memorial Wall and an Honoree on the American Veterans for Life Memorial both Memorials are located in Washington, DC. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal for combat veterans from Somerset County and the State of New Jersey. Jim was a member of the USS Block Island Chips Association and a Third Degree Knight of Columbus, Our Lady of Grace Chapter, Harrison, NJ. He was employed by the US Customs Treasury Department based in Newark, NJ for 33 years. Jim was the remaining 2nd generation Duffy brother, having been predeceased by all of his brothers Joseph, Frank, Raymond, Thomas, Peter and John. He was a master storyteller and had a joke and a gentle kindness for everyone he met along the way, as well as the wonderful gift of always making others feel special. His wife, children and grandchildren, his brother and sisters-in-law, godchildren, nieces, nephews and many, many friends will carry that gift with them always. Visitation at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ on Thursday, January 24, 2008 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Josephs Roman Catholic Church, Watchung Ave., North Plainfield, NJ on Friday, January 25, 2008 followed by interment at St. Marys Stony Hill Cemetery, Plainfield Ave. Watchung, NJ. Repast will follow at Water and Wine Ristorante, Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ (on Watchung Lake)