In Memory of Christopher Duffy
May 23, 1937 - October 31, 2011
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Mr. Christopher Scott Duffy, 74, of New York, NY, died October 31st, 2011 at Beth Israel Medical Center from complications related to heart disease. Chris and his husband Donald Eckert—who just recently married on July 31 after 37 years together—have long been Center supporters. An avid cook, storyteller and current events aficionado, Chris could be depended on for his keen observations, wry wit and great tales. He will be missed by many in the LGBT community in both New York City and here in the Hudson Valley. |
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In addition to his husband Don, is survived by a sister Julia Miller, his brother Michael, his nieces, Frances, Eileen, Kay and Margaret, and his nephews Daniel, Douglas, Jeffrey, and Richard. He was predeceased by his brothers Bryan and Daniel. Mr. Duffy was born on May 23, 1937 in New York City, the son of the late Bryan Duffy and Catharine Ford Duffy. Mr. Duffy served in the U.S. Army in France from 1955 to 1957. He returned to school at Fordham University to study psychology. Mr. Duffy worked in the airline industry and later rose to Supervisor of Claims for Pan American Airways, from which he retired unexpectedly due to a heart attack. With this serious heart condition, doctors gave Mr. Duffy a short time to live and he often joked that he had outlived a good number of them. He survived two heart attacks, two double bypass surgeries and countless angioplasties, stents and other procedures. |
Mr. Duffy volunteered for several years at St. Vincent's Hospital in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab as a way to return the kindness and care that he had received throughout these treatments. Mr. Duffy passed 37 years to the day after meeting Donald Eckert, also of New York City, and three months to the day after he and Donald were joined in marriage at their home in Marbletown, NY.
Mr. Duffy was an avid cook, storyteller and current events aficionado and could be depended on for keen observations, wry wit and great tales around countless dinner party tables he hosted with Mr. Eckert in their home. Mr. Duffy was an accomplished yard saler, combing back streets and high mountain hideouts for treasures small and large. He was proud of many fine acquisitions which he and Don eventually used to begin a thriving antiques business in Stone Ridge, NY in the 1980's in The Banker’s Daughters. His finest moments were at his own yard sales when he sold precious antique toys to children for a penny or a smile. Mr. Duffy's feisty spirit, dedication to friends and diminutive stature were all part of his great charm.
Mr. Eckert would like to thank all the family and friends who have been so supportive over the years as Mr. Duffy ailed and recovered numerous times. Chris and Don believed that he was able to live such a long and vibrant life despite his heart condition because of the love and commitment he shared with his loved ones.
Donations can be made in memory of Chris to the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center, P.O. Box 3994, Kingston, NY 12402.
A Celebration will be held for Chris at a future date in the Spring.
Obituary by Stephen Gilman