Duffy, Bernard J.

Bernard J. Duffy

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

Bernard Duffy WWII vet and former New York cop
By PENNY DEVINE
Herald Writer

Bernard Duffy dedicated his life to serving his country and his community He was strong-willed yet fun-loving ''He was as Irish as one could be quite fitting for St Patrick's Day'' Alice Duffy said of her husband Bernard Bernard Duffy 82 died Friday after a 10-year fight with emphysema ''The last five years of his illness were the hardest'' his wife said ''He dropped 100 pounds all because of smoking'' Duffy who had been a resident of Pompano Beach since 1970 loved the water ''He loved fishing scuba diving swimming you name it he did it'' she said ''That's why we chose to retire m Florida so he could be near the bench M Bom m New York City on Sept 21 1914

Duffy was raised and went to school in Rye NY He and Alice were married on Nov 19 1941 Shortly thereafter he joined the 36th Division Military Police and served during World War II in Italy Southern France and Germany from 1942-45 Upon returning to the United States he 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 ''He was definitely a man of uniform'' Alice Duffy said Alter moving to Pompano Beach Duffy became a member of the American Legion No 142 and a member of the VFW Post 8182

In addition to his wife Duffy is survived by a son James Duffy of Spnng Valley NY and a daughter Bonnie Sochor of Rye A graveside service will be at 10 am today at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens North Cemetery 200 W Copans Rd Pompano Beach Kraeer Pompano Beach Funeral Home is handling arrangements