John T. Duffy

John T. Duffy, 81, died peacefully at his home in Sparta surrounded by his loving family on February 26, 2010. John was born in Newark and lived in Dover, NJ before moving to Sparta 36 years ago. John was a graduate of Seton Hall Prep (1945) and received his Bachelors degree in English at Seton Hall University (1949) and his Masters from Newark State (Kean University) (1963). Following his service in the US Army during the Korean War, John began his teaching career in the Dover public school system in 1950. He taught there until 1963, when he became principal of the Academy Street School. Throughout his career, he coached basketball at Dover High School, taught at Seton Hall University, Morris County Community College and Sussex County Community College. He was an active parishioner of Our Lady of the Lake Church, where he was a Eucharistic Minister, a lector, a church Trustee and a member of the Knights of Columbus Marquette Council #588. John was an avid gardener and sailor. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle and Seton Hall Pirates basketball fan. He is survived by his beloved wife Evelyn of 51 happy years; devoted children Patty Pinto and her husband John, John Duffy and his wife Christine, Mary Duffy, Jim Duffy and his wife Julie, Theresa Collins and her husband Michael, and Peter Duffy and his wife Patti. He is also survived by his 17 loving grandchildren. Friends may call Tuesday, March 2nd, from 2-4, 7-9 pm at the Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main St., Sparta. A funeral mass will be held at 11am Wednesday at Our Lady of the Lake, 294 Sparta Ave., Sparta, NJ. Interment will follow at Sparta Cemetery.