Stephen J Duff

Stephen J. Duff, 58, of Holden, MA, a devoted husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully at home, Monday, May 4^th, 2020 surrounded by the ones he loved after a valiant battle with cancer.

Stephen, born and raised in Worcester, MA, the son of Raymond and Mary (McManus) Duff.  He graduated from South High School and lived in Worcester before moving to Holden over 20 years ago.   Stephen supported his family by working to serve the citizens of Auburn, MA for 17 years as a heavy equipment operator for the Auburn Highway Department before retiring due to illness.  

Stephen is survived by the “Love of his life” and best friend for the past 22 years, Siobhan C. (Cronin) Duff; the two sons he cherished and was so proud of, Matthew J. Duff and his wife Joanna (Nelson) of Tampa, FL and Justin M. Vasalofsky of New Bedford, MA; three brothers, Raymond Duff and wife Patricia (Gosselin) of Beckett, MA, Robert Duff and wife Dorothy Jacques of Auburn, MA and Michael Duff and wife Denise (White) of Rutland, MA; two sisters, Ann Marie McNamara and husband Thomas of Auburn, MA and Mary McIsaac of Sandwich, MA; two grandchildren, Aubrey and Jaxson; his father and mother in law, Sean and Susan (Casale) Cronin of Worcester, MA; Nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. 

Stephen was a kind, dedicated husband and father who had an enthusiastic love for muscle cars and enjoyed going to car shows.  Over the course of his lifetime he rebuilt and modified various cars, trucks, his jeep and snow mobiles.  He enjoyed watching the Bruins, working on his meticulously maintained yard, completing tasks around the house and long walks with his pet dog Bella.  Any time a friend or family member needed help with a project, Stephen without hesitation would be the first one there ready and willing to assist.  Nothing in Stephen’s life was more important than his family; they always came first in his life no matter what.  When his boys were young, Stephen never missed a sports game or activity his sons were involved in and also attended many events supporting his nieces and nephews.     

Funeral services for Stephen will be held Monday, May 11^th at 10 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  Due to the limit on participants in the building, his service can be watched online by visiting www.mercadantefuneral.com and clicking on live services.  Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.  Memorial remembrances in his name can be made to Cancer Research Center, care of the UMass Foundation, 333 South Street ~ Suite:400 Shrewsbury, MA 01545.