Retired Woburn Firefighter Jack Duffy Dies

WOBURN, MA -- John F. “Jack” Duffey, a Retired Woburn Fire Fighter, died peacefully at his home, Saturday, January 27th, at seventy-five years of age. He was the beloved husband of the late Rosemary A. (Castine) Duffey.

Born in Boston, Jack was the only son of the late John and Theresa (O’Leary) Duffey. He was a proud Irish-American who was raised and educated in South Boston. After marrying the love of his life, Rosemary, they settled and made their home in Woburn, where he has remained.

For over 33 years, Jack served the city of Woburn proudly as a Fire Fighter. It was more than a job, it was a passion, and he took pride in protecting the community. In addition to serving the city of Woburn, Jack also owned a floor sanding and refinishing business, retiring in 2010.

Jack was a proud member of the Irish American Club where in recent years, he also worked part-time. Jack was an avid sports fan, especially of the Boston Bruins, Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. He also enjoyed golfing and taking yearly trips with his friends to play in Florida. Jack enjoyed spending time with his family, whether it be at home by the pool, taking family vacations or spending holidays together. His family was his world and he was a loving, devoted and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. In addition to his large family, Jack is survived by countless friends and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Jack was the devoted father of Jennifer Arington and her husband Rick of North Reading, Kathleen Leonard and her husband Bill of Saugus, Betsy Ouellette and her husband Brian of Woburn, Christopher Duffey and his wife Kim of Woburn, Erin Boylen and husband Kevin of Westford, Mary Kazis and her husband Peter of Methuen, Amy Carlson and her husband John of Dracut and Kevin Duffey and his wife Sara of Woburn. Dear brother of Theresa Mattar and her husband Jim of Venice, FL, Kathleen Graham of Brockton, MA and Patricia Earley and her husband Bob of Greenfield, MA. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was affectionately known as Papa, and is survived by 18 loving grandchildren: Meghan, Carolyn, William, Colleen, Matthew, Ryan, Allison, Kaeleigh, Lauren, Tyler, Jack, Emma, Connor, Nico, Maggie, Zachary, Julie and Hallie and 2 great-grandchildren: Henry and Addie.

A Funeral will be held in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn, on Thursday, February 1st at 9 a.m. followed by his funeral Mass in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn, at 10 a.m. Interment in Woodbrook Cemetery. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to call at the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, Wednesday, January 31st, 4 – 8 p.m. For directions or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.lynch-cantillon.com or Facebook under Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home.