Edward Duffy

Edward Duffy, best known to those he loved most as Dad or Papa, left this earth on Saturday surrounded by his girls.

Born in 1945 to Edward & Dorothy Duffy, it was obvious from the start that the world would be changed by this young boy. He made wonderful childhood memories with best friends and siblings, Bill and Patty. He married our mom in 1968 and together they created a family that loves like no other.

In the decades since he joined the work force he left his indelible mark on a variety of fields. From his early years on the Chicago Police Force to his years with the State of Illinois heading the Dangerous Drugs Commission, The Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, The Department of Public Aid, and as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Thompson. Realizing as his girls grew that he wanted to spend more time at home, he moved to the private sector where he oversaw the rebuilding of Arlington Park Racetrack as President and then later the transformation of Sportsman's Park into a dual-purpose facility that brought world class auto racing to Illinois with Chicago Motor Speedway. Undoubtedly his most loved job was his last - being Grandpa to 8 kids who were absolutely the loves of his life.

His legacy will live on in those he left behind; the love of his life Nancy, his daughters Colleen, Meghan, Kelli, Erin, and Cara, the sons he welcomed with open arms; Tim, Eric, Brent, and most importantly his grandkids whom he loved with no limits: Katelyn, Madison, Braden, Bryce, Ansley, Everleigh, Finnegan, Brooklyn, and his newest due late this summer.

Instead of sending flowers, please consider a donation to either The Ronan Thompson Foundation or The Truth 365 as they are personal favorites of his, we know it would mean the world to him.

Memorial visitation Friday, January 10th, 3:00 until the time of service 8:00 pm at the Countryside Funeral Home & Crematory, 950 South Bartlett Rd.(at Stearns Rd.) Bartlett. 630-289-7575 or www.countrysidefuneralhomes.com