Francis Duffy, OFM

1914 – 1985

Fr. Francis Duffy, OFM, was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Nov. 15, 1914. After four years at St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., he was received into Holy Name Province’s novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., on Aug. 12, 1938. He professed temporary vows Aug. 14, 1939, and made his profession of solemn vows on Sept. 17, 1942. Fr. Francis was ordained a priest in Washington, D.C., on June 11, 1944.

He was assigned to St. Bonaventure College, Allegany, N.Y., to study and later to teach mathematics. He taught at the college for 15 years and then went to St. Anthony Shrine in Boston. He worked at the service church for six years, and then moved on to Holy Cross Parish in the Bronx, where he labored for 17 years as associate pastor.

His sympathetic nature made him take into himself the pain of others. When the friary became a formation house, Fr. Francis enjoyed the presence of the young men desirous of becoming friars, and he provided a cheerful and positive presence among them. For many years Francis was the “czar of bingo” at Holy Cross, and he enjoyed being among the people.

He died in Columbus Hospital, Newark, N.J., on May 22, 1985. He was 70 years old, a professed friar for 45 years and a priest for 40 years.