John Francis Duff

On Sunday, August 18th, 2024, John Francis Duff, beloved son, brother and uncle, was hit and killed in a motor vehicle accident near his home in Norfolk, VA. He was 81 years old.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Roden Robinson Duff Jr and Lillian K. Duff, brother Roden Robinson Duff III, and sister-in-law Claire Elizabeth Duff. He is survived by his six nieces, Mary Claire, Susanne Ellen, Barbara Ann, Teresa Marie, Joan Frances and Margaret Catherine. 

John was born September 8, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois but lost his biological parents in a car accident as a toddler. He was adopted by his forever parents, Roden and Lillian and grew up with his older brother Roden in Chicago. He attended Christ the King Elementary School where he was on the swim team, and then De La Salle Institute earning honor roll distinction all four years. He attended St. Mary’s College in Kentucky earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. He attended Assumption Seminary in San Antonio, TX 1964-1965. He enlisted in the Navy in 1966 and served in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged but reenlisted again in 1978 and 1989 and served in the Gulf War. His career included working at the Pentagon and at the Naval base. He retired from active duty in 1993 but continued to work for the Navy as a civilian until he retired in his mid 70’s. John was a decorated naval officer earning the Navy Commendation medal, Presidential Citation, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and countless others.

He continued to pursue his dedication to service by volunteering at his church, Holy Trinity in Norfolk, VA and joined the Knights of Columbus where he rose to the rank of Deputy Grand Knight.

John built his life on faith, family, service and dedication. He was a beloved brother, loving uncle, godfather, great uncle and great-great uncle. He was a world traveler, family and American historian, loved to read non-fiction, had the gift of gab, and a voracious appetite for home cooked meals and sweets. He could often be seen jogging and swimming or attending family events such as baptisms, weddings, or holidays with family and friends.

A funeral will be held at Holy Trinity Church, 154 W. Government Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503 on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 1p.m.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 25, 2024, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85018 from 5 to 7 p.m. with a rosary starting at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012 on Saturday, October 26, 2024.

John will be interned at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, 87th St. & S. Hamlin Ave., Evergreen Park, IL. 60805 on November 9, 2024, with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Knights of Columbus Fr. Robert B. Kealey Council #3548 211 W. Government Ave. Norfolk, Virginia 23503.