John Paul Duffy, Sr.

John Paul Duffy, son of the late William and Mary McGettigan Duffy, passed away unexpectedly on July 8, 2022, from a heart condition while at his second home in Corolla, North Carolina. John was an honest, selfless partner and an upbeat, caring friend who loved life’s simple pleasures. John leaves behind countless family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues who knew and loved him.

Among them are his adult children Brian and Jillian Duffy; his beloved fiancé and partner of 13 years, Christie Watmuff, their two dogs Banx and Olivia whom he adored and their first child, John Paul Duffy. Jr., due in September, whom he’ll greet joyfully in their next life. John was excited about becoming a father again and for the joy and the adventure their baby would bring to their lives.

He is also survived by his siblings, William, Michael, Mark, and Patricia Duffy-Devlin who thought of John as their quiet, laid-back brother, as well as many nieces and nephews.

John was born on August 24, 1956, in Camden, NJ and spent most of his childhood in Westmont, NJ where he attended Holy Savior Grammar School and Paul VI High School. John attended LaSalle University where he earned a business degree in 1978.

Following college, John began his career at Brandywine Foods, working from the ground up to the position of Plant Manager. John transitioned to Eastern Quality Foods where he built a successful 30-year career in sales and client relations. John was known to be hard-working, ethical, and fun-loving. He was a great ambassador for the company who truly loved his customers. John’s co-workers were among his closest friends, and he cherished his time with them, hosting the annual OBX trip, and mentoring his younger colleagues.

A lifelong Philly sports fan, John loved the Eagles. He and his oldest son, Brian often bonded over football games and beers. Those who know him well can picture John sitting around a firepit, Coors Light in hand, wearing his flipflops, favorite weathered Eagles hat, and Oakley sunglasses.

John looked for the positive side of any situation and could talk with anyone about anything. He was selfless, generous, and loving, but also, on occasion, exasperatingly meticulous about his yard, the house, renovations… with a penchant for creating projects just to piece them back together, in a better, more organized way. Though it may have tested the patience of those who loved him, it was truly one of his best traits. He always left a place better than he found it, and the world could use more of that.

John also loved being outside and listening to music. He and Christie and their dogs split time between their two homes in West Chester, PA and in Corolla, NC (The Outer Banks). He was happiest at home and in his backyard – giving the dogs their routine belly rubs, gardening, talking with neighbors, swimming with dogs and surf fishing. In the past 7 years, he and Christie created an exquisite organic garden and even became sustainable beekeepers and enjoyed sharing honey and vegetables with their amazing community of OBX friends. John was a “master griller” who loved to create recipes including his favorite, steamed clams, oyster rockefeller and delicious chicken.

Christmas was John’s favorite time of year because it meant decorating the house for the kids, bringing family together and watching classic movies with Jillian. John and Christie’s West Chester house always had the brightest, most extravagant (but tasteful) Christmas lights on the street. This Christmas, when you see a beautiful tree or a fantastic light display, please think of John.

If you would like to honor John, please pull a few weeds in your yard, decorate for the holidays, or send contributions to the American Beekeeping Federation.

Please visit the Donohue Funeral Home website to leave fond memories or condolences for John’s family and to find out more information about the Celebration of Life that will be announced in October, following the birth of John and Christie’s son.