Born in Syracuse, New York, he was the son of the late Herbert Sr. and Marjorie Gerhardt. Duff was a graduate of North Syracuse High School and Syracuse University. He proudly served in the US Army from 1954-1956, assigned to the Air Defense Command.
In 1964, he joined his father in operating their newly acquired business, General Super Plating Company, where he helped grow the company into a successful enterprise.
Duff was involved in several business affiliated organizations. He was a founding member and Past President of the American Society of Electroplated Plastics as well as a board member and Past President of the National Association of Metal Finishers.
Duff was a former Chairman of the Board for Seneca Federal Savings Bank, a member of Centerville Masonic Lodge, and Past Potentate of the Tigris Shrine Temple.
He was a charter member of Syracuse Sunrise Rotary Club and was involved with the Boy Scouts for many years, having been an Eagle Scout himself and later Scout Master of Troop 215 in Manlius, NY. The organizations he lent support to throughout his life were numerous and he greatly valued the many, many lifelong friends he made along the way.
Duff thoroughly enjoyed traveling the world with his wife and friends but his absolute favorite place to be was at his home in the Thousand Islands on the Saint Lawrence River. A true "River Rat" he spent 65 plus summers there, enjoying family and friends. Whether boating, fishing, playing cards, reading or simply "watching the River go by", this was where he was happiest. An avid skier, golfer and sports enthusiast, he also enjoyed history and music and was a master pancake maker.
He leaves a legacy of one who cherished his family above all else and shared his many interests with them. He is loved and will be missed more than words can express.
Duff is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Helen; daughter Kimberly (William) Jeffery; son, Thomas Gerhardt; and daughter-in-law, Lauri Gerhardt.
Known as "Granduff", he was the very proud grandfather of Taylor (Francesca) Gerhardt, Riley (Elijah) Conte, Benjamin Jeffery (fiancée Jennifer Sipple), and Bradley Jeffery.
A private, family service will be held in Clearwater with a celebration of life to be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions made in Duff's memory to Shriners Hospitals, Suncoast Hospice, or Moffitt Cancer Center would be meaningful and appreciated.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sylvanabbey.com for the Gerhardt family.
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