Passed at age 84. One of the most powerful labor leaders on Long Island during the boom decades ofthe 70's and 80's, died September 2 at his home in East Setauket, New York. A World War II Navy veteran from Oceanside and a post war member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Duffy quickly rose to leadership in the InternationalUnion of Operating Engineers (he was a Local 138 membersince 1947) becoming President and Business Manager of the Local for over 20 years unti lhis retirement in 1991. It was his union, and his driving leadership, that provided the skill to build extensive segments ofthe Long Island Expressway and the Southwest Sewer District. Duffy also had a powerful influence on Long Island's charitable community. He received multiple awards from organizations that benefited from his involvement. His efforts included work on behalf of Muscular Dystrophy, St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson and a founding member of Long Island Charities. His effort to assist others began early on though as he was a lifeguard at Jones Beach as a teenager and was credited at the age of nine of saving a drowning victim at the beach. Mr. Duffy died surrounded by his wife of 65 years, Helen, their seven children, and many of his 26 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren. Fond of calling people by nicknames, his own personal favorite was when his great grandchildren called "Papa Duff.'
Passed at age 84. One of the most powerful labor leaders on Long Island during the boom decades ofthe 70's and 80's, died September 2 at his home in East Setauket, New York. A World War II Navy veteran from Oceanside and a post war member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Duffy quickly rose to leadership in the InternationalUnion of Operating Engineers (he was a Local 138 membersince 1947) becoming President and Business Manager of the Local for over 20 years unti lhis retirement in 1991. It was his union, and his driving leadership, that provided the skill to build extensive segments ofthe Long Island Expressway and the Southwest Sewer District. Duffy also had a powerful influence on Long Island's charitable community. He received multiple awards from organizations that benefited from his involvement. His efforts included work on behalf of Muscular Dystrophy, St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson and a founding member of Long Island Charities. His effort to assist others began early on though as he was a lifeguard at Jones Beach as a teenager and was credited at the age of nine of saving a drowning victim at the beach. Mr. Duffy died surrounded by his wife of 65 years, Helen, their seven children, and many of his 26 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren. Fond of calling people by nicknames, his own personal favorite was when his great grandchildren called "Papa Duff.'
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