Gerald Duff
Gerald Duff
PORT ORANGE, FL: Gerald Duff, 67, of Port Orange, Florida, died Wednesday, January 9th, 2019 at Brooks Memorial Hospital, Dunkirk, after a long battle with a recurrent Meningioma Brain Tumor. He was born in Silver Creek, on May 19, 1951, the son of the late Denton A. and Elizabeth (Clees) Duff. He grew up in Forestville, graduated from Forestville Central School, Class of 1970 and moved to Florida in 1983-2018.
Mr. Duff was an Owner Operator for 15 years, owned an Environmental Clean Up Business for 12 years and worked for Heartland Express Trucking until his illness began in 2012. He was a member of Hanover Masonic Lodge #152 F&AM, Forestville.
Jerry was a kind man who radiated joy. His ability to bring laughter to everyone, even in the most dire of circumstances was legendary, as was his own hearty laugh and skill at gentle self-depreciation. He had a great, soft, heart, filled with the most all encompassing love that inspired awe in everyone who was blessed to cross his path. His illness, with which he suffered unrelenting pain, drastic surgeries, and difficult treatments for over 7 long years, did nothing to dim the sweetness of his spirit. His perseverance in the face of such a trial, is not only enviable, but more absolutely astounding. His loss is felt deeply by all who knew him, but his exemplary zest for life, mischief, and simple adoration of existence is an everlasting example to all.
Survivors include three daughters, Deborah Jeanne (Michael) Shafer, Kathy (Michael) Caldwell, Erin Elizabeth (James) Quinlan, two brothers, Robert (Barbara) Duff, Danny Duff and two sisters, Sharyn (Larry) Duff-Kibbe, Janey (Michael) O’Boyle. Also surviving are a dear friend Miranda Crick, eight grandchildren Zachary Gerald Duff, Christina Geraldine (Marquise) Colston, Miranda Elizabeth Wilson, Robert Gerald Lilavois, Calleigh Elizabeth Quinlan, Mckenna Elizabeth Quinlan, Tracy Lynn Caldwell, Travis Michael Caldwell, a great granddaughter Jasmine Sidney Moore, two nieces Susan (Jason) Rowicki, Jennifer O’Boyle and a nephew Shawn O’Boyle. He also has two great nieces and a great nephew. Besides his parents he was predeceased by a brother David Duff, who died December 3, 1969.
The family will receive friends Saturday, February 2nd, from 10-11 AM, at the First United Presbyterian Church, 19 West 4th Street, Dunkirk, where a Memorial Service will fol-low at 11 o’clock.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial contributions may be made either to the Charity of one’s choice, Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, PO Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240-0631 or the Mayo Clinic-Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905.
Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville. To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.