MR. Patrick Joseph Duffy, of 75 Ardmeen Green, Downpatrick, who has died, was a retired nurse and a popular and respected member of the community. He was 89.
Known to his family and many friends as Joe, Mr. Duffy was born and reared in Callaigh, Co. Monaghan.
After leaving school in the early 1940s he moved to Downpatrick to begin mental nursing training at the Downshire Hospital.
On qualifying as a registered mental nurse he worked at the Downshire until 1956 when he transferred to Belfast City Hospital to complete his state registered nurse training.
He subsequently returned to the Downshire and became a charge nurse before retiring as a nursing officer in 1982.
Through his work at the Downshire he established many long-standing friendships and earned the respect of all of his work colleagues.
It was during his early days at the Downshire that he met his future wife, Mary.
Their wedding took place in April 1949 and they remained married for 64 years.
Mr. Duffy had a lifelong interest in folk and traditional music. As a boy he learned to play the violin and later played the pipes in the Downshire Hospital Pipe Band.
He enjoyed Gaelic football and became a keen Down fan once he had settled in the area. He was also an avid supporter of Manchester
United.
He enjoyed a long retirement, devoting most of his time to his wife and family circle. Over the past year he and his wife were residents at Kings Castle Nursing Home in Ardglass where he was very popular with the nursing and care staff.
Following a short illness he passed away peacefully on February 14.
Mr. Duffy was a kind, loving and patient person, who always showed great insight. During the funeral service in St. Patrick’s Church on February 17, Canon Sean Rogan referred to him as “Gentleman Joe”, which probably best sums up his character.
He is survived by his wife, children Pauline, Patrick, Joseph and Kieran, grandchildren and great grandchildren.