Thomas Duffy

Family Tribute:Thomas William Duffy (Dad) was born April 24th, 1949 in Utica, New York. At the time of his death, Tom was living in Pittsford, New York with his wife of 30 years, Cyndy. The trip to New York on the morning of September 11th was one of the many that Dad would make to the Twin Towers each year. Tom was a Senior Vice President within MMC, but that was only a small part of the man who changed and influenced so many lives.

Dad loved his family. Once he commented that 'family is the most important thing you will ever have - they will always be there for you'. During his life, Dad lived by these words. He was always willing to stop his work, turn off the TV, or put down his book when one of his sons wanted to throw the football in the backyard, or just to talk. When his young grandson, Dylan, wanted to have Good Night Moon read to him for the fifth time in a row, you could hear him start that classic bedtime story again, as he had many times for his own sons when they were young

There was rarely a time when he was not on the sidelines at our sporting events cheering us on, or when he was not encouraging us with other things such as academics, jobs, relationships, and life in general. Dad would always be the first one to give us a needed pat on the back when he was proud of us, or to lift our spirits when things were not going our way - he always knew how to put things into perspective and guide us with his wisdom.

Tom Duffy was a devoted husband who faithfully loved his wife, Cyndy, of 30 years. Both shared a faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, a love of life, and most importantly, a love of their children and grandson, Dylan. Their marriage was strong; the outworking of two lives joined together in love and commitment. They looked forward to the years ahead they would share together.

Our father's other great love was the family cabin in the Adirondacks. Nestled away on a small lake in the Adirondacks is a cabin that has been in the Duffy family for years. Our family moved a great deal during our father's career, and for all of us, this small cabin in the mountains was the one place we could always call home. Our father spent most of his childhood summers swimming in the crisp, clean mountain water, and hiking through the seemingly endless forests of evergreens that surrounded our little cabin. Even at 52, Dad still transformed into that excited little boy when the family would make the trip up to the cabin; still rising every morning at camp to bathe in the lake as he had done since childhood. My brother and I learned many great lessons about the outdoors, and about life from our father while exploring those same forests and waterways that Dad had explored as a young man. This place in all its simplicity and splendor was where Tom Duffy felt most at home. Therefore, it was only fitting that he was where he most loved to be, the family camp, the weekend before Tuesday, September 11th; a thought that brings some comfort to those of us that knew and loved him. Tom Duffy will not be forgotten; his love and wisdom will remain with both his family, and his friends. We miss you Dad.

v 0.0.46 ------
Add Your Tribute
All tributes will be reviewed by our site moderators prior to being posted. Tributes will normally be posted on the site within 24 - 48 business hours of submission.
Tributes
You interviewed me when I was applying to J&H… I was pretty sure you were the most intense person I’d ever met, but later I came to understand that passion and learned a great many things and was a better person for having known you. May God bless you and yours.
Jeff, Colleague
Sep 10 2023 10:52PM
As a fellow DU, we shared many memories from College days even though he went to UNION and U🙃I attended CWRU. Tom was an excellent co worker with sound advice. I miss him to this day and only hope that his Family has carried on well. 🇺🇸
Doug Barrett, Friend
Jul 26 2023 3:03PM
May God's peace be with you and your family.
Jeff, Colleague
Sep 11 2022 8:25AM
I worked with Tom way back in the day at J&H Wilmington, then Baltimore, then, if my memory is right, DC. He was the best of the best. He was very kind, thoughtful and hard working. Think of him often. Keep on selling in heaven, Tom... RIP
Anne Ferrara, Colleague
Sep 9 2022 11:39AM
Thinking of Tom once again on this 20th anniversary of that tragic day. You are missed and thought of often.
Greg Wager, Colleague
Sep 11 2021 7:19PM
He stopped that weekend, at our camp on White Lake. Linda and I hadn’t seen Tom in years, really. I threw my arms around him when he appeared at our door. ‘I’m all sweaty!”, (from biking from his camp) he said. But he came in, and we sat on the porch for a while, as we do still. Great to see him. And so it was.
Kathleen Duffy, Family
Sep 11 2021 6:20PM
Time has passed, but the memories are still fresh. Thinking of you and yours.
Jeff, Colleague
Sep 10 2021 2:38PM
Thinking of Tom, and his family once again - 19 years later. He was a great colleague and mentor, and I sincerely miss him.
Greg Wager, Colleague
Sep 11 2020 1:25PM
Heard your name today Tom on the 911 Memorial roll call. Thinking of you as a great colleague, always made our meetings exciting. Rest in Peace dear friend. MaryAnne
MaryAnne Burke, Colleague
Sep 11 2020 1:37PM
Time has passed, but still think of you and your family often.
Jeff, Colleague
Sep 11 2020 11:31AM
Having worked first-hand with Tom during my years in J&H/Marsh Washington, DC office, I think of Tom on a regular basis. I will always remember Tom as a great colleague, and incredible family man.
Greg Wager, Colleague
Sep 11 2019 7:07PM
Thinking of you and yours.
Jeff, Colleague
Sep 11 2019 0:12PM
Thinking of you on this day.
Jeff, Colleague
Sep 11 2018 7:43AM
The first name I think of when I think of 9/11. Though I lost many Colgate University friends, Tom was the man that hired me into MMC (though J&H). A great person that mentored me over the 5 years we worked together. Thinking of him and his family today, never forget.
Tom Flynn, Colleague
Sep 11 2016 1:07PM
Thinking of Tom once again on this day of remembrance. Truly a great guy! Greg Wager
Thinking of Tom Duffy today., Colleague
Sep 11 2015 4:15PM
I worked with Tom when he and his family were living in Greensboro, NC and he was employed with IRM Insurance. He was one of the nicest people I have ever met, and so proud of his family. He was a good man. I have thought about his family many times over the years, and have kept them in my prayers.
Tina Steed, Friend
Sep 13 2012 3:44PM
I was just showing my son who hired me at Mercer (then J&H;)and telling him to keep the Duffy family in his prayers tonight. Best to all the Duffys tonight - you are in my prayers too. Tom from Rochester
Tom Flynn, Colleague
Sep 11 2012 8:49PM
Thinking and praying for you and yours, my friend. Thanks for the time you spent with us at J&H; DC. We loved you then. We love you now. God bless you and your wonderful family. Pierre (aka Pete)
Pierre Dugan, Colleague
Sep 17 2011 9:44AM
Thinking of you today Tom, I am honored to have known you and worked with you.
Owen Morton, Colleague
Sep 11 2011 9:35PM
remembering you today and always, my favorite cousin tom.
Linda Duffy Carl, Family
Sep 11 2011 12:15PM
I remember Tom and the Duffy family from EEI Fire Protection meetings in the 1980's. What a beautiful family! May he rest in peace.
Tom Gray, Friend
Sep 11 2011 12:09PM
I remember Tom warmly from our few years on the sideline watching our sons (Ryan Duffy and David Heal) play travel soccer together here in Pittsford. For me, it was always a delight to share the experience, now cherished and in memory only, of our sons' achievements and growing maturity. He was a calm, thoughtful and with a wonderful sense of humor and I am grateful to have had the time with him I did. My sympathies to the Duffy family on this occasion.
Neil Blumberg, Friend
Sep 11 2011 10:07AM
I worked with Tom in the Washington DC office and remember him with great fondness. He was a leader and mentor to many young colleagues and his influence in their lives continues to this day. On this anniversary, we will remember his devoted family in our prayers.
Bridget Stump, Colleague
Sep 11 2011 9:43AM
Cyndy, I think of you and Tom often. My thoughts and prayers are with you this weekend.
Marge Mathers, Friend
Sep 10 2011 9:27AM
Tom was a great colleague, but a better friend. I knew Tom and admired and respected him but I didn't KNOW Tom, especially the side of the family written Tribute... I just knew him as a man of Character. But now it explains why I had such admiration and respect... he planted seeds and they grew and continue to grow. It is almost 10 years and I will always remember! God Bless you. Jim
Jim McCluskey, Colleague
Sep 8 2011 2:58AM
Rest in peace, Tom.
John Beveridge, Colleague
Sep 2 2011 11:00AM
Remembering you on your birthday, as I always do.
Linda Duffy Carl, Family
Apr 24 2011 11:00PM
We're thinking about Tom, Cyndy and their family today. We'll never forget. We'll always remember our annual tradition of going to the Messiah at the Naval Academy. Love and prayers.
Lanning and Cyndi, Friend
Sep 11 2010 6:25PM
Tommy, though we lost touch over the years, our time as childhood pals at camp was always one of my best memories. You were my favorite cousin. Whether it was playing with the BB gun in the woods (how did we survive the ricochets), or burning a hole in the dock with sparklers (all that was left of your daniel boone buckskin jacket was the zipper!), we always had the best fun. And when our paths crossed again that day at camp in early September 2001, it was so great to see you, all sweaty from the long bike ride over to White Lake. I wish I hugged you longer. It was the last time I would see you, but I think of you so often. And I will miss you always.
Linda Duffy Carl, Family
Sep 10 2010 9:31PM
I am not sure why this day in particular I think of you and Mike McGinty, co-workers way back before the terrible tragedy of 9-11. I feel and pray for your family and children often. Many blessings to you all and make the best out of everything.
Wendy Windsor Ashburn, Colleague
Apr 20 2010 3:32PM
I'm reminded often of what a wonderful friend Tom was to his colleagues in Rochester. I think of him often and ecspecially today. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family today and everyday.
Sally Prather, Colleague
Sep 11 2009 10:38AM
Thinking of Tom again on this day of memories of 8 years ago today. I can still remember his sense of humor and good will towards others. Still in our minds, and greatly missed. Greg
Greg Wager, Colleague
Sep 11 2009 10:06AM
Remembering Tom today. My thoughts remain with his family.
Shannon Bowman, Colleague
Sep 11 2008 7:46PM
Thinking of Tom again on this day of tribute. My thoughts are with his family today, and many other days when I reflect on the time I spent as a colleague of Tom's.
Greg Wager, Colleague
Sep 11 2008 1:54PM
Dear Cyndy, I often think of Tom and the conversations we had on his regular trips to Albany. He was a real blessing to me, I miss him. I'm praying for you and your family.
Dennis Walsh, Colleague
Sep 11 2007 10:31AM
Dear Cyndy, My thoughts and prayers are with you today.
Marge Mathers, Friend
Sep 10 2007 9:51PM
We never Knew your Thomas Duffy but our Thomas Duffy was born 12th September 2001. It was on a trip to New York in January 2005 that we saw Thomas's name listed. Our thoughts are with you.
Rachel Duffy, Friend
Sep 7 2006 5:12PM
I am writing to let the Duffy family know that as of yesterday, we have been given the honor to be a foster family to a precious little 9 week old Vizsla puppy. He is part of our country's Homeland Security Department, which is training puppies and dogs to become Explosive Detection dogs and other similar jobs with law enforcement. Our puppy has been named 'Dduffy' after Tom Duffy(the upper case and lower case Dd indicates that he is part of the Puppy Training program through TSA and the Homeland Security Dept.). I would love to keep in touch with you to let you know how Duffy is doing. We will have him only until December, when he goes for his formal training. We will find out after that where he will be stationed. I am very, very sorry for your loss. Tom Duffy sounds like a wonderful man. Vicky & John
Vicky Waters, Friend
Feb 14 2006 1:41PM
sorry to hear of your loss
Thomas Duffy, Friend
Sep 12 2003 10:14AM
Duffy and my father were great friends ever since they were roommates together in college. No matter where they moved or how long they went without seeing each other, the second they were together again, it was as if no time had passed. One of my most fond memories of Duffy is sitting in his back yard while he and my father smoked thier cigars and relived the good old days of football games and motorcycle rides. And another favorite was that of my dads bachelor party...I truely miss him and the amazing friend he was to my dad, and truely amazed by the strength of his family. ~Laura
Laura Burton, Friend
Sep 10 2003 9:25PM
I worked with Tom here (J&H;) in Washington, DC during the mid 1990's. I also had the opportunity to work with his son, Ryan, while he was an intern here at Marsh during the summer of 2002. My wife and I spoke with Ryan again when he attended our Marsh holiday party in December 2002. I am extremely impressed by Ryan's maturity and family leadership - a testimony to Tom as a father. Tom will be missed, but his legacy lives on through his family.
Greg Wager, Colleague
Mar 11 2003 9:35AM
As a secretary in the J&H; National Casualty Office at 125 Broad Street, I spoke with Tom Duffy many times over the phone, but I never really knew him. I learned more about Tom from his son's wonderful Tribute and the loss of such a caring family man grieves me even more. I would like Tom's family and friends to know that he is remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Regina Motreuil 9/17/02
Regina Motreuil, Colleague
Sep 17 2002 3:06PM
Today, I learned that I work with one of Thomas' sons, and that both Thomas and my daughter's friend, Patrice Braut, worked for Marsh McLennan, a sad and awful coincidence. My heart goes out to the family of Thomas; my thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.... Grace
Grace Kavaliunas, Friend
Sep 11 2002 10:00PM
Hello: I work at Marsh in Bermuda. I was looking through the list of names being honoured today, and I came across Tom Duffy. My father's name is Duffy, so that is why I chose to read your tribute to your father. I would just like to say that he certainly sounded like a wonderful Dad, and it would be a better world if all children had a Dad like yours, and all wives had a husband like your Dad. I hope that you do not mind me taking this bit of space to say, God bless you all and keep you and your Mom. I, too, love the Lord Jesus Christ, and He is my comfort and my peace, just as He was your Dad's. I feel privileged and led of God to have made the choice to read your tribute to your Dad. May all of his children grow to be men of integrity who cared the way that he did and love the way that he loved. Shalom, Deb
Deb Bell, Colleague
Sep 11 2002 12:26PM
Tom never forgot the priorities in life; family spirit, health and dedication to others. Despite the constant stress of daily life, he always made or found time to help others. I worked with Tom for about 7 years in the Baltimore Office of J&H.; Tom was an inspiration and friend to all. May God Bless.
Bruce Spiller, Colleague
Sep 11 2002 10:42AM
Tom was one of my very first supervisors. I was his secretary in the early 90s in the Johnson & Higgins office at 1401 Eye Street in Washington, DC. I remember a picture of Tom and his family, all wearing blue oxford shirts and sitting on a beach, that sat on his desk. Tom was a family man, first and foremost. I know Tom will be missed by everyone he touched. My thoughts and prayers to you all.
Ellen Brubeck Long, Colleague
Sep 9 2002 12:25PM
The tribute to your father is very touching. He was one of the people that hired me at then J&H; in Baltimore in 1990. I have often thought about his sons and prayed for them. I didn't know Tom very well, but I did know that the Adirondacks was place he loved to be and from his sons tribute his love will live in your hearts forever. God Bless You and Your Whole Family.
Wendy Windsor Ashburn, Colleague
Sep 3 2002 11:21PM