Duffy, Bernard J.

Description

Bernard J. Duffy was born in New York City on Sept 21, 1914. While attending Rye schools, he lived at 511 Milton Road, later living on other streets in Rye. Mr. Duffy graduated in the class of 1934. He and his wife Alice were married on Nov 19, 1941. Before his enlistment, Mr. Duffy was working in the police department.

Mr. Duffy enlisted on May 12, 1942 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II, joining the 36th Division Military Police Platoon and serving during World War II in Italy, southern France, and Germany from 1942 to October 2, 1945. Mr. Duffy received a Bronze Star medal in 1944 for “traffic control work under enemy fire” in Italy, as well as the Meritorious Service Plaque. His service number was “12065056”.

After his military service, Mr. Duffy joined the Rye Police Department where he worked for 30 years. He also served with the Rye Fire Department and was a member of Knights of Columbus in Rye.

Mr. Duffy moved to Pompano Beach, Florida in 1970 for his retirement. According to his wife, ”He loved fishing scuba, diving, swimming; you name it, he did it…That’s why we chose to retire in Florida–so he could be near the beach.” Mr. Duffy became a member of the American Legion No. 142 and a member of the VFW Post 8182.

He died on March 14, 1997 at 82 years old after a 10-year fight with emphysema. At the time of his death Bernard Duffy was survived by his wife Alice and his children: James Duffy of Spring Valley, NY and Bonnie Sochor of Rye, NY.

Monica Macarie

Rye High School
Class of 2022