Thomas F. Duffy
September 10, 1933 - December 10, 2022
Thomas F. Duffy, age 89, of Newark, DE, passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2022.
He was born in the home of his maternal grandmother on Delaware Street, New Castle on September 10th, 1933 to the late Hugh E. and Agnes E. (McCaffery) Duffy. A 1951 graduate of Salesianum High School, Tom honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1953 to 1957. Upon return from the service, he met the love of his life Vivian Garbatowski, whom he married in 1958, and they enjoyed 59 happy years together until her death in 2018.
Tom attended the University of Delaware, but ultimately received his college degree from Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. He was a long-time member of St. Michael’s Council 4548 Knights of Columbus. Tom was employed by Thiokol Corp. in Elkton, MD, retiring after 38 years. He also worked at Delaware Park as a mutuel teller on weekends for 22 years.
In addition to his wife Vivian and his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Agnes Duffy and Suanne Kaminski and her husband Frank Kaminski, and his brothers, Rev. Hugh E. Duffy O.S.F.S. and Lawrence Duffy. Tom is survived by his sister, Margaret Mary Duffy; children, Judith Ann Valladares, (Eduardo), Hugh Thomas Duffy, and Timothy Joseph Duffy; grandchildren, Marissa Valladares, Erin Duffy (Zach), Kerri Valladares (Eric), and Neil Duffy; and great grandchildren, Kannon and Kamri.
The family would also like to thank Christina McDermott and Angela Hughes who were wonderful friends of Tom’s in his later years.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11am on Friday, December 16, 2022 at Holy Family R.C. Church, 15 Gender Road, Newark, DE. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE.
Linda Duffy
Dear Judy, Tom and Tim,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. He was a wonderful person. My Dad and I used to visit him and your mom when I was young. And I saw both your parents every time I babysat the three of you.
I have great memories of both your parents. They were very special people. We are all fortunate to have had them in our lives.
You have my deepest sympathy. Unfortunately, I will be unable to be in Delaware next week but you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Duffy
Naomi Thomas
Judy an all of your family, I am so sorry about the loss of your Dad. He was a very nice person also a friendly guy. God will take care of him now may he RIP. 🙏❤️
Cindy Bullen
Judy, I’m so sorry to see that your dear father passed away. Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. I hope that all the wonderful memories of your father will help you during this difficult time.
John Scholz
Judy, my deepest condolences to you, Ed, Marissa, Kerri, Eric, Kannon and Kamri as well as your entire family. May he rest in peace.
Daniel Plumley & James Joseph Thomas
Tommy was a joy to be around. Tooney & Tommy were best friends growing up. It was always great hearing stories about how they played baseball together, and the special memories they shared. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family in their time of loss..
Daniel Plumley ,Jimmy Thomas & Family
Frank & Dottie Plumley-Harrison
The Duffy Family & Margret Mary,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Frank & Dottie Plumley-Harrison
Jamie Gelep
My sincere condolences to you all. Chrissy loved him so much and shared so many wonderful, funny and loving stories about him. He was so special to her and will be truly missed. My his memory be a blessing.