Obituary of Edward Joseph Duff

Edward Joseph Duff, 88, passed away on February 28, 2016, at his home in Huntingdon Valley. Ed was born in Philadelphia on January 27, 1928, the last surviving child of Irish immigrants Daniel Duff and Bridget McEnroe Duff. Ed was orphaned at the age of 12 when both parents died within six months of each other. To help the family, he delivered milk, bread and newspapers in the morning before attending nearby Seven Dolors School. In the summers, he cut grass and pulled weeds at estates in Wyndmoor and Chestnut Hill. Ed attended North Catholic High School, even though he claims he graduated from "The School of Hard Knocks." He played the violin in the orchestra for two years and discovered a passion for football, in his junior and senior years. After classes and practice ended, he worked in the mailroom at Sears & Roebuck on Roosevelt Boulevard each weeknight. He earned enough credits to graduate from North Catholic early and enlisted in the United States Navy. Ed left for boot camp, after his senior football season ended, and returned to attend North's graduation in his Navy uniform with the Class of 1946. He was stationed on the USS Taconic AGC-17 as an electronics technician. It was after a high school prom, at the age of 16, that Ed met the love of his life, Nancy Geppert, sparking a fairytale-like romance that lasted more than 70 years. Ed and Nancy married in September 1949, after Ed served two years in the Navy. Their marriage was blessed with 12 children. With his climbing experience from the Navy and McGraw Co., Ed began working as a lineman at the Philadelphia Electric Company in 1949. In 1958, Ed and fellow PECO lineman foreman Harold (Hap) Carr founded Carr & Duff, with a vision to fulfill the electrical construction needs of Philadelphia's burgeoning Bucks County suburbs. From humble beginnings – with one line truck – Carr & Duff earned utility, city and state contract work. Carr & Duff became a National Electrical Contractors Association member and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers member in 1978. Ed served for 12 years as Chairman of the Line Contractors Division of the Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter of NECA. Ed also served as a Trustee of numerous NECA/IBEW Trust Funds and Committees. Ed was a longtime Board member of the Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter of NECA and also an Honorary Veteran Member. Through his leadership, the company became a premier electrical contractor in the Greater Philadelphia area. One of Ed's favorite responsibilities was attending equipment auctions to grow and maintain the company's fleet. A deeply faith-oriented family man, Ed rarely missed Catholic mass, attending every Sunday even while at sea in the Navy. In 2012, he received The John J. Ferreck Award, from Malvern Retreat House, in recognition of his outstanding service to the League as a recruiter and leader for the Holy Family Group and for his generosity and spirit of stewardship that has improved facilities at St. Joseph-in-the-Hills. Last year, Ed received recognition for 75 consecutive years of weekend retreats with The Holy Family Group at the Malvern Retreat House. Ed loved being around his family, making and watching home movies, listening to opera music, and attending his grandchildren's events. He also had a fascination with fire trucks, stemming from his childhood, and drove his vintage 1951 Ward LaFrance pumper truck in countless community parades in Wyndmoor, Glenside and Hatboro over the years. Edward Joseph Duff is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Nancy Geppert Duff, along with nine cherished children and their spouses: Anne and Sam Hamme, Patricia and Bill Markham, Robert and Joann Duff, Edward and Pamela Duff, John "Jack" and Judy Duff, Sharon and Ed Nelling, Colleen and Rob Lapkiewicz, Noreen and John McDonnell, Kathleen and Michael McSorley; by his dear 34 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three of his children: Edward J. Duff, Jr., James Duff and Mary Katherine Duff. Viewing will be held on Friday, March 4, 2016 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM, Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 1500 Marian Road, Abington, PA 19001. Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated at Our Lady Help of Christians Church on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 1:00 PM. (There will not be a viewing or visitation on Saturday) Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. David's Church, 316 Easton Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090 or Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, P.O. Box 766, Mishawaka, IN 46546 or Malvern Retreat House, 315 S. Warren Avenue, Malvern, PA 19355.