Thomas Byron Duff
Thomas Byron Duff passed away peacefully on February 3, 2021 in League City, Texas, at the age of 86. He was born on January 19, 1935, the only child of Thomas H. and Emma (Brown) Duff. Tom grew up and attended school in Glenside, Pennsylvania, alongside the love of his life, Shirley, who he met in first grade.
Tom attended the University of Delaware where he was captain of the swim team and achieved All-American status. He was also a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. Tom graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1956 and later received an MBA from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
He and Shirley (Powell) Duff were married on September 8, 1956. They then moved to Ft. Knox, Kentucky, where Tom served as a Captain in the US Army. After his service, his career in marketing management took the couple to Metuchen and Boundbrook, New Jersey, Richardson and Dallas, Texas, and La Habra, California, before they settled in Naperville, Illinois in 1975. Naperville became their home for over 30 years. They were very active members of the Naperville Community: Tom and Shirl were dedicated members of Grace UMC and served a number of volunteer and leadership roles with the Naperville Heritage Society, including chairing the annual antique show and serving on the Board. Tom was also active in Kiwanis Club and was a member of the Euclid Lodge of the Masons. Tennis and woodworking were among Tom’s favorite hobbies, along with the many cruises and trips they enjoyed with friends. In 2011, Tom and Shirl moved back to Texas to be nearer to family.
Tom is survived by his beloved Shirley, his wife of 64 years. He is also survived by their two sons, Thomas Duff, Jr. (Diane) of Houston, Texas, and James H. Duff (Julie) of Rochester, Minnesota, and four grandchildren: Thomas Duff, lll (Samantha) and Stephanie Gumpf (John) of Houston, Texas, and Ted Duff and Emma Duff of Rochester, Minnesota. They also have 3 great-granddaughters, Ava and Lyla Duff and Beatrice Gumpf, all of Houston.
Due to current CoVid19 restrictions, a memorial service will be scheduled at a later date and a private family interment will be held at Houston National Cemetery. If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the Naperville Heritage Society, 523 South Webster Street, Naperville, IL 60540 attn: Juliana Nelligan, Director of Development, or https://napersettlement.org/213/DDonate or to a charity of your choice.
The family would like to express immeasurable gratitude to the staff at The Crossings in League City, Texas, and Joan Dallas, RN hospice nurse, for their unparalleled care and compassion during this unprecedented year.
My Deepest Sympathy 💐
Much Love Always,
Joan Dallas RN BSN
Deepest sympathy. Carol Redmon Kolp
My sincere condolences. Your father was a wonderful man. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Alison Moseley Gregg
Tom & Shirley were beloved members of the Del Webb Sweetgrass Bridge Club for too few years and we miss them still. RIP Tom; your memories remain vivid today.
We here in SWEETGRASS BRIDGE CLUB LOVED AND ENJOYED THE ALWAYS FUN Tom and SHirl. Blessing to both of them. We have fond memories of good times with a very loving, caring couple. Their laughs were alway there to share special times. 😇🙏🥰
I greatly enjoyed playing bridge with Tom and Shirley. They were both a great addition to the bridge club and we have missed seeing them. My sympathy to you all and love to Shirley.
Some us did not know of Tom’s passing until the UD Magazine arrived yesterday, Aug 30. I am class of 1958, so Tom and I overlapped 2 years. It was a pleasure for me to have him as a teammate on the swim team, on which he starred, and a friend.
I convey my sympathy to the Duff family – Ed Kimmel