Published in the January 23, 2018 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Thomas J. Duffy, 59, of Wakefield, previously of Stoneham entered into rest after a long battle with cancer on January 16, 2018 at Lahey Clinic in Burlington.
Thomas was born in Waltham on October 19, 1958 and was the son of the late E. Patricia (Sheehan) Scarano and survived by his beloved daughter Lauren K. Duffy, and his siblings Margaret (Duffy) Solimine and her husband Stephen, Deirdre (Genest) Sommerkamp and her husband Shawn, Christina (Scarano) Nice and her husband Joel, Joseph Scarano and wife Heather, Mark Scarano and wife Marissa and step father Henry Scarano. Nephew of Barbara (Sheehan) Withers and former wife Valerie Armsden. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews of whom he was very fond. He spent his last days surrounded by the people who he loved and was able to enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas, as was his wish.
Tommy served four years active duty and two years in the reserves for the US Army. He began as a staff sergeant and was promoted to Infantry Squad Leader, leading eleven men. He was stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina and served in the 82nd Airborne Division. He earned Parachute, Expert Infantryman and Combat Infantry badges. He had been happily employed at Ingenuity Properties as a facilities manager for 12 years and he leaves many friends behind. Tommy loved playing sports as a child and was a big fan of Boston sports. He especially loved to win against New York. He also was a great chess player and loved to challenge others to a game. He was an avid reader and loved to banter about politics.
He worked on the William Weld campaign in both races and was in possession of a Make America Great Again baseball cap. I guess you could say he was a Republican. Because of his love for the ocean and fishing he obtained a captain’s license. One year, in a freak storm, Tommy almost lost his life on a sailboat fighting against 25-foot swells. His boat went adrift nearly taking him to Cuba before being rescued. He had several unforgettable journeys.
The number one love in his life was his daughter.
He will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 26, at 11 a.m., at McDonald-Finnegan Funeral Home, 322 Main Street Stoneham. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
