Joseph L. Duffy

ILION – Joseph L. Duffy, age 91, of Jefferson St., Ilion, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at his home, with his loving family by his side. He is reunited with his wife, Emilie, in their heavenly home.

He was born on September 28, 1932, in Utica, the son of George and Gertrude (Garland) Duffy and graduated from Ilion Central High School. Joseph was married to Emilie Ruth Yavornitzki, on June 18, 1955, at the Church of the Annunciation, Ilion. She passed away on July 17, 2022. Joseph served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. Joseph was honorably discharged from the Army, on November 29, 1956. Joseph's work career as a computer technician included over 25 years at UNIVAC and ICL, in Utica and he finished his career as a Powdered Metalist, at Remington Arms, in Ilion, NY. Joseph was a devout member of the Church of the Annunciation. Joseph also served as CYO advisor for several years alongside close family friends Father Patrick Mangan and Father Terence Healy.

Surviving family members include his 5 children: Debra Richards, of Richfield Springs, NY, Diana Duffy and David Koepsel, of Los Angeles, CA, Gregory Duffy and his wife, Pam, of Macedon, NY, Jana Mula and her husband, Pat, of Fairport, NY, and Joseph Duffy and his wife, Samantha, of Webster, NY; 7 grandchildren: Ryan Richards and his wife, Lea Dela Cruz, Kyle Richards and his wife, Elana, Lauren Richards and Jason Gritton, Gregory Duffy and his wife, Caroline, Julie Duffy and partner, Jeremy Mancus, Michelle Zaccaglino and her husband, Tony and Kelly Beisheim and her husband, Andrew; 6 great-grandchildren: Cohen and Halle Richards, Gregory Joseph Duffy III, Emma and Harper Zaccaglino and Madelyn Emilie Beisheim; his sisters-in-law, Marie Duffy, of Ilion and Anna Duffy-Pickering and her husband, John, of Ilion, Diane Stubley, of Ilion; brother-in-law, William Yavornitzki, of New York Mills; sister-in-law, Marilyn Yavornitzki, of Doylestown, PA; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Ann and William Lucey; brothers, Francis and James Duffy; and brothers-in-law, John Yavornitzki and Thomas Stubley.

A self-proclaimed city-boy, Joe Duffy was proud to be from West Utica. His humble upbringing, which centered around the Catholic faith, was instrumental in him becoming the pillar of his family. If you have lived in Ilion, there's a good chance you knew Joe. You might have known him as the life of the party, ‘Party Joe’ or ‘Joe-to-Go.’ Whether singing, clapping, dancing, or laughing, Joe’s love for life was contagious. To Joe and Emilie every moment of life was something to be celebrated, and they welcomed anyone they met to share in their celebration.

Joe had many passions – faith, music, food, sports – but his devotion to his family was paramount. His love for his children, fondly referred to as the “Five Cadillacs,” was unconditional. He dedicated his life to raising a family and provided his children with something invaluable – love, support and the belief that the sky's the limit. These values have had a profound impact on his grandchildren who have been raised by the mantra “don’t stop believing.”

From the moment Joe saw Emilie, he knew she was the one. What first started as pure adoration developed into a beautiful union. A true team, as you never saw one without the other. No matter the obstacle, Emilie and Joe would prevail together. They share a love that is eternal and infinite.

Joe’s family would also like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to all of Dad’s special angels sent from above which made it possible for Dad to stay in his home.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Homes, original location, at 102 West St., Ilion.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 1, 2024, at the Church of the Annunciation, West St., Ilion, NY, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Paul Catena, Pastor and concelebrated by long time family friend, Father Terence Healy. Burial will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery, North Ilion.

Anyone wishing to share a memory of Joe, or add to his online memorial, may go to www.applegateandday.com on the Internet.

In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413, or the Ilion Ambulance Fund, Central Fire Station, Ilion, NY 13357. Envelopes will also be available at the Funeral Home.

Joe’s service arrangements and supervision are entrusted to his close and long time Irish friend, Don Applegate, Funeral Director.