Obituary of Theodore J Duffey

Theodore “Ted” J. Duffey, a retired computer engineer passed after a short illness on Friday, May 10, 2024. He was 82 years old. Ted was born in Southampton, Long Island, New York. He was born to Elmer and Mary Duffey. His father passed away when Ted was a child. His mother later married Joseph Ziolkowski who loved Ted as his own. Ted grew up in Watermill, New York and attended Southampton High School. He proudly served in the United  States Army for twelve and half years serving during the harshest times of the Vietnam War.  He was the recipient of numerous commendations including Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, 2 Overseas Bars, and a Bronze Star Medal which was for heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious service in a combat zone. 

Ted returned to civilian life and went to work in the computer industry as a technical engineer. He worked for numerous companies during his career including Wang, Collins, Digital, Computervision, and Boston CAD. 

Ted was an outdoors person who enjoyed being out in nature and being active. He was a huge Bass fisherman competing in tournaments winning many trophies and plaques.  He was a member of the Harvard Sportsman Club where he participated in marksmanship events. In his retirement years, he loved playing golf. He and his good friends from Patriot Golf Course in Bedford took trips to play various courses in Myrtle Beach, Orlando, and Arizona. Patriot was home base where he enjoyed the company of his friends and a good cigar.   The Patriot Golf Course was also where he made his one and only “Hole-in-One:”

Ted enjoyed being on the go and could strike up a conversation with anyone. There were annual summer vacations to Westerly Rhode Island. He went to Italy several times to sail around the Mediterranean and tour Tuscany with Armando his adopted Italian son, he also visited his wife's family in Sicily and Rome. He really appreciated seeing the non-tourist side of Italy.

He lived an active life, enjoyed following his passions, and time spent with his loving family.

Ted was the beloved husband of 46 years of Maria (Assenza) Duffey. They had made their home in Burlington for over 40 years. He was the loving father of Cheryl Broderick & her husband Paul of Stoughton, Theodore J. Duffey, Jr of Charleston, SC, and the late Michael Duffey. He was the brother of Patricia Fulcher & her husband Donald of Jamesport, Long Island, NY and the late Robert Duffey and his surviving wife Ronnie of Pennsylvania. He was the grandfather of Kara Mavilia & her husband Josh, Joshua Duffey, Brandon Duffey & his wife Denise, Catherine Duffey, and Christopher Duffey. Ted was also survived by 3 great grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington on Friday, May 17 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and will conclude with a funeral service at the funeral home beginning at 6:30 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Memorials in Ted’s name may be made to the New England Center and Home for Veterans, www.nechv.org, 17 Court Street, Boston, MA 02108.  For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net