Stephen V. Duffy, Jr.

FITCHBURG - Stephen V. Duffy, Jr., passed away peacefully in the early morning of April 21, 2023 at the Pilgrim Rehabilitation Center, Peabody, MA from congestive heart failure.

He was born December 13, 1937 at Memorial Hospital in Worcester the son of the late Steven V. Duffy, Sr. and the late Catherine M. (Brazell) Duffy.

He grew up in Fitchburg graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1955.  He received his Associate in Arts Degree from North Shore Community College (Beverly, MA) in 1976 and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Administration from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst, MA) in 1978.

Steve led a very colorful life until his mid-thirties when he decided it was time to grow up and make a stable life for himself.  On March 19, 1972 he became a friend of Bill W, trading in alcohol for school books.  Steve enrolled at North Shore Community College in Beverly, MA.  Upon graduation in 1976 with an Associate in Arts Degree, he enrolled at University of Massachusetts Amherst, graduating in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Administration.

In 1979, Steve relocated from Massachusetts’ North Shore to Virginia and assumed the position of General Manager, House Buildings Cafeterias, Catering and Food Service under the U.S House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., where he had the overall responsibility for the management of food services, servicing 7,000 to 20,000 customers per day.  In 1987, Steve took over the position of General Manager at The National Democratic Club, Washington, D.C.  As GM, he was responsible for the management of a members-only club until his retirement.  Steve loved working on “The Hill” and cherished the many friends he made along the way.  After his retirement Steve moved back to the North Shore, living in Gloucester; across the street from the Atlantic Ocean, until his last move to Turtle Creek in Beverly.

Steve loved his family, most importantly his sister Ellen.  He had an assortment of nicknames from his DiGeronimo nieces and nephews; Chet, Chippy, the Commissioner & Duffy.  You could always count on him for providing entertainment at family gatherings. 

He found great pleasure in playing the horses, spending hours researching before placing his bets.  Steve was very fussy about his wardrobe; especially his footwear.  He enjoyed reading; owning hundreds of books, and at the end of the day there was nothing better than a good steak.  He was a proud Democrat, and good luck if you did not share his political views.  Steve was also very proud of his Irish heritage.  Most often he was seen wearing a scally cap, and although for health reasons he was not supposed to eat corned beef, he cooked it for himself this past St. Patrick’s Day.

The biggest accomplishment of Steve’s life was his 51 years of sobriety.  No matter where he lived or traveled to, he found AA meetings to attend. He truly lived his life “one day at a time.”    

Although he may not have always shown it, Steve was truly grateful for the many friendships he made throughout his lifetime.  

He leaves one sister, Ellen M. (Duffy) DiGeronimo of Fitchburg, MA; a sister-in-law, Joan (Normandin) Duffy of Bradenton,Florida; three generations of Duffy & DiGeronimo nieces and nephews, including his goddaughter, Mary C. (DiGeronimo) Hill, and numerous cousins.

He was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Ralph J. DiGeronimo, by a younger brother, John P. Duffy, and by a nephew, Stephen D. DiGeronimo.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 4 pm in the Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg.  Burial will private at a later date in St. Bernards Cemetery, Fitchburg.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, April 30, 2023 from 2-4 pm in the funeral home.

His family would like to thank the staff at Pilgrim Rehab for the care and comfort they provided during Steve’s last days, as well as his AA friends and those at Turtle Creek that looked after him.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made in the name of Stephen V. Duffy, Jr. to support Beverly Bootstraps.  Contributions can be mailed to Beverly Bootstraps, 35 Park Street, Beverly, MA 01915 or made online at BeverlyBootstraps.org.

To send an online condolence please visit www.brandonfuneral.com.

Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg is directing arrangements.