Kerry Shawn Duffy

Kerry S. Duffy, 65 of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, passed away on May 20, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Born in Philadelphia on April 12, 1958, Kerry grew up in Havertown, PA. and was an active member of the Sacred Heart parish. Kerry graduated from Cardinal O’Hara high school in June of 1976. 

After graduating, Kerry followed his passion for the theater and the arts. He studied at the Circle in the Square in New York city, appearing in varied productions in their 1980 - 1982 seasons. Kerry appeared in feature films including, Taps, The In Crowd, Invincible, the television show Hacks along with numerous regional dramatic and musical productions and was a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists AFTRA unions.

For over 45 years, Kerry was a dresser and wardrobe supervisor (a proud member of IATSE) in New York and Philadelphia. Kerry worked with Broadway greats and legends and those breaking into the business. He was trusted by his peers and stars alike. Kerry, ever the performer, lived to regale others with stories featuring a cavalcade of stars.

Kerry dearly loved spending time with his family and friends. He was the first on the dance floor at weddings and parties and happy to lead the group in singing and laughing late into the evening. He inspired and shared his love of the theater and the arts with his nieces and nephews.

Kerry as a proud Philadelphian could be found running along boat house row, working with Penn Medicine, or simply buying a homeless person a hot meal after a long caring talk.

Kerry loved summers and vacations in Sea Isle City. He loved the beach, running the island and used to say, “it was like coming home”.

We are all deeply sadden by the sudden loss of our brother. Kerry’s light, music, generosity, and laughter will live on in the beautiful memories and spirit of those he knew and loved.  Kerry left his beloved theater, but he will long be remembered in every wardrobe change and curtain call.

Kerry is survived by his loving siblings, William E. “Biff” and Linda Duffy, Beth Ann and Michael Riordan, Ed H. and Maureen Duffy, Terri Lynn and John Alizzi, Anita and Frank DeFrancesco, and Shannon and Ryan King.  He is also survived by his dear 16 nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation Tuesday May 23, 2023, 6:00 – 8:00 PM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA  19073, 610-353-6300, and Wednesday 9:30 to 10:25 AM, Sacred Heart Church, Manoa and Shelbourne Rds. Havertown, PA. 19083, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM.  Interment SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kerry’s memory would be appreciated to SAG-AFTRA Foundation, https://members.sagfoundation.org/donate.